Main / LegC-DryadsLairToJistilleEstates

A River Runs Through It - Session Summaries - Leg C

Key Points:

• On 6-7-1267 TGR - The crew sets sail from Dryads Lair towards Rivers Bend.
• On 7-7-1267 TGR - A winter storm blows the crew off course resulting in one day of travel lost.
• On 11-7-1267 TGR {11-7-345 SKR} - the rest of the group arrives in Rivers Bend.

Notes for All:

• Previous three summarized sessions from newest to oldest: RRTI - Leg B, RRTI - Leg A, and Tattermalion.
• Branwyn and Tiberius are already in Rivers Bend. While the crew sails, their concurrent stories can be found here.

Leg A - Dryads Lair to Cornelia

Leg B - Cornelia to Dryads Lair

Leg C - Dryads Lair to Jistille Estates

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Session: Jan1918c

From here on out, as file names are being change, I'm going to link to the formatted chats instead. They're easier to peruse, anyways. As file names are going through a process of being changed, I'm just going to link to whichever, okay?

• We begin this session by figuring the calendar system in-game and if key dates are correct. They are. BOB clarifies some parts. We're good now. Maybe.
• As they make their final preparations to leave, Miranda points out the very full knarr and the lacking room for Branwyn and Tiberius once they reach Portown.

  1. Indigo and Hoffman are already making plans to spend at least a week in Portown to make enough skiffs to get everyone home. There is nothing left in Portown to use, though. This means we're going to have a "Big Skiff Making Festival" in Portown. Exciting!
  2. Buying things in Rivers Bend or hang out in Portown while skiffs are made?
  3. One last thing to do before leaving? Grab stuff from Tiberius' place. What stuff? Whatever the porter gives Indigo which would be: a large leather sack (what Tiberius takes when he goes out on trips) and two large chests (he should take when he goes off on his jaunts).
  4. Other notes of interest are all the things put into the 10 by 10 scroll room (1000 cubic feet) which include: library books and "all the ITEMS from the party pack page cont," plus the "check for 10K gold and the majority of the gold and gems" with the rarest books from the library in the scroll first. If curious, somehow the books at 5 lbs each. All hardbacks? Any yes, Lisa updated the party pack page after this conversation. What is not on that page is in the room scroll.
  5. And the dragon head? Sell it or ditch it no later than Rivers Bend. Donate it? It was taken in a fit of rage. Half the party does not care what happens to it.
  6. Another preparation? What to do about Mercy. Miranda would love to help take care of the baby since it was her job before joining the Dragonslayers. She is against giving up the baby. She's given a brief summary of how Mercy came to Hugh. In the end, Hugh decides to take the risk, make Mercy a papoose, and take her with them (she counts as cargo, though). For the record, none of Lisa's characters or Carissa's characters (including the wolves) want the responsibility of Mercy. Unknown (or not clear enough) to know for others.

• We finally begin sailing downriver to Lake Piepus with Gold Hills on the starboard side, the next port for a possible stop being Bywater (roughly 200 miles) and soon to past the steam lands. It is decided to put some space between them and Dryads Lair rather than wait until morning and potentially run into an angry Prince...

  1. QuiFon (and Brother Foto) is formally introduced to everyone on the knarr. Shi is not sure she's a fan of the dwarf who claims he doesn't eat rocks (nor does she believe him). It seems he wants to be friends, but Shi isn't certain about that. Qui tries to prove he can be fun by...falling on his face. Well it was entertaining, at least? Kenna makes sure he's not hurt.
  2. Backtracking: who is really in charge? Kel? Indigo? Ilero? Well while we're on the knarr, it is agreed that Indigo is in charge (of getting us to our destination safely, at least).
  3. Some small talk with Miranda asking about Hugh and Neith, Kel and Shi discussing the advantages and disadvantages of airships, Miranda talking about her time helping orphans, discussions on education for Mercy as well as how oddly quiet she is, and all that fun stuff.

• Night falls and we have the option of anchoring near the cliffs (full of seabirds) or unknown territory. Once again, a known enemy is better than an unknown one, right? Besides, we still have a way around this! How? Nightly conversational encounters, of course! Everyone's favorite (and no, no talking to the birds as they're too far away).

  1. Finally, after much too long, we have, at long last: Kel and Jennevive. It is, as you probably expect, a very interesting and entertaining watch. Well, depending who you ask, I suppose. As expected, Jennevive flirts, Kel proclaims himself an ass, and then they talk about honey which may or may not be reference to Shi. Depends which one of them you ask. It all ends with Kel waking up Shi, telling her he maybe might have implied they were together, and Shi reminding Kel he currently sits in The Friendzone. Poor Kel, but he survived - this time. Next watch?
  2. Shi and Indigo on second watch with Shi hoping to ask Indigo about Penelope. Before we get that far, by the way, did you know a vampire might come kill everyone? Hold on. We knew the Queen was a vampire, but she might try to kill us all? Well, that's a little bit important to know. Let's hope The Mist does protect us! The Mist that is full of vampires. Yeah, that place. (Maybe Branwyn should go talk to the Brotherhood). Shi is NOT a fan of vampires since they have no souls, or at least, an elven vampire has no path to Aravaith. It's an upsetting thought, like how her brother almost lost his chance getting to Aravaith. Yes, violent deaths and all can prevent it. And yes, if Shi gets eaten by a gar she would very much appreciate her body being retrieved and brought home, just in case. A lesser chance of Aravaith is only half why elves don't leave their homes much. Like halflings, they also stay home because why leave when you have everything you need? By the way, what's up with you and Penelope, Indigo? We are in agreement that she's not like other girls, but maybe don't let her take advantage of you. It's not that Shi is worried Penelope will hurt them, but that she will hurt Indigo. You are happy, though, so that counts for something.
  3. Marisu wakes up early for her shift, hears about Ilero's Guild, finds out Regor the Mad is not dead, and agrees that Penelope has a strong survival instinct. The others go to bed, and Kenna joins Marisu for watch. She mentions her anxiety, Kenna offers her some lavender, and...well, it was a short watch. It happens.

• We get through the night relatively unharmed (feelings aside) to sail south. After a brief discussion on fish popsicles with Jilly and the elves, we sail outside of Terraguardian waters about 44 miles along the path (with only 156 more to go to Bywater) which means the inescapable encounter rolls (three more days of encounter rolls with 9 rolls per day??).

  1. We manage to arrive with the Gold Hills to the right, and the Land of Steam to the left (wasteland full of geysers, steaming swamps, and red dragons; the beginning of the wilderness from Terraguards point of view) before a winter storm sweeps across the lake northward! At least it wasn't a dragon? (Yes, testing my luck with that joke). We pull in the sails, gather loose gear on deck to toss below, and with all that preparation work, we thankfully do not capsize! What a relief. We are a little battered and bruised, but no significant damage.
  2. That said, we were blown off course. Once evening arrives, Indigo spots land starboard which is the southern edges of the Understowers portion of Gold Hills and understands we were blown westnorthwest and not back up the river.

• All in all, we've lost almost a days' worth of travel, but nothing more (although doesn't this mean more encounter rolls??). So here we anchor as night falls. Will we camp on the shore of Gold Hills or on the river? Watches have also not been set. What awaits us in the night? Is Kel still safe from Jennevive? Stay tuned and find out!
• Unrelated note of interest, there are at this moment a plan for four to six story arcs after this Era: anniversary story arc, Branwyn returning her library book, one for Ilero's guild, a new take on an old fiction story, a mercenary one, and "a sixth involving elves," plus "imagine the 30th anniversary game with airship to airship combat as you fight to defend your kingdom in the clouds,". So be sure to stick around for at least five more years! And if you want to visit Maztica or other exotic places, stick around until at least 2022.
• Another small side note that bless is +5% for rolls and can be used for percentage rolls.

Quotes of the Night:

[Indigo (Lisa)] The knarr can take tons of cargo. Just not people for some odd rule of ships

[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] (Mostly concerned about having her in the pack)
[Kel (MarioCS)] Open the Dragon’s mouth and gently cradle her btw the incisors. Slowly close the mouth
[Kel (MarioCS)] Armor plated carrier!

[Kel (MarioCS)] Jenn, let's chat
[Kel (MarioCS)] You seem to be sooo obsessed with pleasures of the flesh
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] with pleasure
[Kel (MarioCS)] have you ever been with an elf?
Miranda Paige (JohnA)] (so that is what we are calling it now "Chatting")

[Kel (MarioCS)] are you a mouser?
[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] grey is not my color

[Master] each character died in the same order
[Master] was a great story
[Kel (MarioCS)] sure, for a sadist

---

Session: 20180126c

• Started with a prediction of what chance various players will attend the 25th Anniversary game either online or in person. If you haven't told BOB your plans yet (this is directed to any non-active players who might read this) you should do so now. At this time we're looking at about 15 likely attendees (again, in person and online combined).
• We last left with the knarr being blow off course, but saved from capsizing by the actions of the crew. Ilero does seek confirmation that, indeed, the boat won't sink. Not this time! As night has fallen, we're left with watches. Unfortunately, we're no longer somewhere where we can safely have conversations and call it a night. Translation: we can still talk, but you're going to have to roll, too.

  1. First watch with Ilero and Snee as they talk briefly of what it's like to be in The Mist. Not pleasant, from the sounds of it. In conclusion, still a place to visit, but maybe not a place to live. Thankfully the dice roll in our favor. Next?
  2. Indigo, Shi, and Qui are up. They talk a little about being blow off course and some about how airships work (hint: using the Gemmae Mobilis Device, not wind). Indigo doesn't think he'll miss his ship soon, and besides, the Queen might still need his skills for the navy ships. Qui seems to try to convince Shi that they are not so different as she may think, but I'm pretty sure he hasn't convinced her yet. A dwarf and elf who have similarities? Never. Conversation turns again to The Mist. Those who do Divination, like Qui, are not a fan of places where they can't do it. On that note, and another good roll, we move to third watch.
  3. Third watch with Hugh, Kenna, and Kel. They eat some apples and watch the sunrise. How lovely! And enjoyable, when you aren't being attacked.

• Morning brings an important decision: follow the coast of Gold Hills or head straight across the Lake towards Rivers Bend and "hope for the best"? Because that wording isn't concerning at all!

  1. Lake Peipus feeds a large undersea in the Underdark. It is the deepest lake in the world with three major rivers flowing into it (some drains the swamps of Drillian while Hobart Rivulet drains down to the drowl Underdark (ha! that joke still makes me laugh). We currently sit at Velikaya River.
  2. Traveling along the coast means four or five days of sailing. It is safer, but with more encounters. To cut across the lake means two or three days of sailing. It is quicker with fewer, but more deadly encounters. Technically, we already had one encounter on the lake. That was the storm which blew us back a full days sailing. So what do we do?
  3. While a couple of us want to risk the lake, it is decided the safer route is, well, safer. Also we use the wolves needing access to the shore as an excuse. Okay then! Sailing the shore it is! What could go wrong?of note the group is still over 100 miles away from the lake when the next encounter happens

• Like you didn't expect something to go horribly wrong, did you? Safer route is safer, right...? Perhaps it was an omen that we started with poor Penelope unable to motivate the crew or properly rhyme. Indigo helps her and gets her back on track. Kenna does toss out a working song, Miranda plays her flute, and Kel stuffs his ears with fur before deciding he'd be better off in the hold (once the idea of Jenn joining in with her lyre is suggested) so he doesn't have to hear it. Anyways, remember that wonderful sunrise to start the morning? Let's ruin it with scrags!

  1. Like the two smart non-swimmers they are, Shi and Jennevive stay at the front of the knarr, near the rail, and cast. Shi sees if sunscorch will set scrags on fire (safer to do while they're in the water, right?) while Jennevive casts to improve Indigo's defense. What does this mean? You have two perfect targets for the scrags to drag into the water AND they're on opposite sides of the ship! Wonderful.
  2. As Shi and Jenn are dragged into the water (again, non-swimmers), the focus is now on making sure they don't drown and die. Hoffman, with assistance from Miranda, flies over to assist Shi and take out the two scrags near her while Indigo jumps in after Jennevive. In the meantime, Brother Fotopoulos realizes Kel is still oblivious and fetches him from the hold to help.
  3. While no scrag holds her, Shi struggles to stay above water. Hugh jumps in to help while Kenna decides it might be nice if Shi could just walk ON the water, instead. Thanks to that combined help, Shi has one thing less to worry about! But there are two scrags still there to fight as poor Kenna is reminded by that painful hit...
  4. As for Jennevive? Drowning (because she surprisingly doesn't float) AND hostage to a scrag. Neith attempts to reach out her crook for Jenn to grab, but to no avail. Miranda sends jaws after the scrag, Kel decides to leave Shi and go help Jenn (yes, I'm sure that decision won't haunt him later), Indigo swims over to save Jennevive, and unfortunately, his first attempt to wrestle her free from the scrag fails. The scrag decides to take this fight underwater.
  5. Meanwhile, you know who really feels left out of this party? Neith! But don't worry. A scrag sees how sad she is and decides to pull her off the boat and drag her into the water, too! While Neith appreciates(?) the kindness of the scrag, he IS a little too close for comfort so she pulls free from his grip and...tries not to drown. Now this is a party! Wait, is that not how this party is supposed to work?
  6. Even as hard as Hoffman tries to get the attention of the scrag, the scrag has eyes (and claws and teeth) only for Shi. Her attempts to fend of his advances fails and SPLASH! Shi falls, still on top the water, thankfully, but now unconscious. Before the scrag can get anymore ideas, Hoffman scoops Shi up, flies back to the ship, and lays her before Brother Foto who kindly patches her up before she dies. She limps down to the hold for safety. While Hoffman does that, Hugh and Kenna let that scrag know how they felt about its actions and kills it. One fight down, two more to go!
  7. Seeing Neith nearby and in trouble, Kenna walks over to her and decides she probably would like to walk on water, too! That's one problem solved, but what about that scrag that dragged her into the water? It gets the fun surprise of Shur appearing out of nowhere to land on top of it and stabbing it! While Neith goes ethereal and walks to the safety of the ship's hold, Kenna and Shur finish teaching that scrag a lesson.
  8. As for that final fight for Jenn? Indigo continues to wrestle with the scrag, manages to win, and pulls Jenn up for a refreshing bit of air. Indigo sees an oar that Marisu and Ilero extend to help and grabs on. Together they help pull Indigo and Jennevive back to the safety of the ship; however, that scrag is the only one that did manage to get away (well, technically the others will regenerate later, hopefully far from the knarr, but we're ignoring those details).
  9. It is worth noting that, even as worried about Penelope as Indigo was, especially as she did not roll initiative, Penelope is absolutely fine. She did her job and stood her post.

• And so, with that bit of insanity behind us, we have to wonder if we made the right choice. If this is what awaits us sailing along the coast, what would the lake have brought us? There is also the question of what the rest of the day will bring us. We have one walking wounded priest and the other priests with nearly all their healing spells gones. And it is still only morning. Fun! See you in two weeks!

Quotes of the Night:

QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] Think you can turn me?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] Turn you?
[Indigo (Lisa)] You're not undead!

[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (I just heard on the news that the Stilton cheese rolling event is being canceled)
[Kel (MarioCS)] I guess they couldn’t camembert so many peeps getting hurt
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Oh no! Why no cheese rolls?)
[Kel (MarioCS)] they ll end up black and bleu
[Master] the cinnamon guild stopped them?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (That one was a bit cheesy)
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (they are canceling it because it's not cool anymore)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (They shouldn't feta bout it)
[Kel (MarioCS)] well, the swiss always win anyway
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] (quit the cheddar and play)
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (aha the one I am thinking of his Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire. ok I’m relieved)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Ooh that's a gouda one)
[Kel (MarioCS)] I hate when Larry the Cable Guy yells " Cheddar Done!"
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (O queso where were we?)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (mic drop, foreign language trumps all)

[Penelope (Master)] TO THE MAST
[Penelope (Master)] YOU SHOULD PULL
[Penelope (Master)] OR AT LAST
[Penelope (Master)] I WILL MAKE YOU FULL
[Penelope (Master)] damn what is wrong with me
Indigo (Lisa) smiles at Penelope
[Indigo (Lisa)] Are you okay?
[Indigo (Lisa)] Jilly's job is making us full

[Master] 3 yanked Shi into the water now it can be a scrumm
[Master] she is chum
[Master] too bad you cannot run
[Kel (MarioCS)] um, rhyme Time DM: is is a called shot to not hit Shi w a sword attack to #3?

Hoffman (JohnA)] (hmmm who to save first?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Hi!)
Hoffman (JohnA)] (typo, you meant to say shi)

[Master] and Carissa this will make great fodder, Kel leaves Shi and goes to rescue Jenn
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Haha was just thinking that!)
[JohnA] (I SAW THAT)

---

Session: 20180209c

• If you didn't notice it before, we decided last week to start collecting all the songs posted during sessions onto a playlist page. You should go check it out at this sentence long link! Really. You should. Because I will be disappointed if you don't after all the work I put into that, and we all know disappointment is the worst, right? Right. Good. Now go. I'll wait.
• Back? Okay so to the game. The night starts with a reminder that it is morning, and we already had one encounter that left us with one walking wounded and limited healing spells. We also have not yet reached the lake so we can, if we wanted, decide to cross the lake still and visit the Underdark maybe not die. Or maybe we'll just die quicker. Any takers? No? Well I guess we'll keep going down the coast.

  1. Everyone (except Shi) rows the ship away from the scene of the scrag battle. Miranda goes to check on Mercy only to find Neith doing the same. She is, of course, asleep, and she didn't, of course, cry during the battle. Not odd at all. Not at all...
  2. Meanwhile Brother Foto makes his way down to cargo to check on Shi. Healer though she may be, Brother knows they don't always make the best patients. No problems here, though.
  3. Ilero wonders if they'll be going near Vilmar Estates? Indigo doesn't think so, but it will depend on what happens when we get back to Drillian. Shur's family is there and Ilero left a shield there to be worked on. Four years ago. Maybe they still have it? Uh, maybe.
  4. Kel pulls Brother Foto aside once he returns to the deck and asks how Shi is doing. Brother Foto says she's in good spirits considering she's been through a lot backstabbing and all. She just needs rest and someone to keep her spirits up. Well, her animal friends can keep her spirits up and Kel hasn't been invited anywhere near her bed, so that's that.

• We keep rowing without anything hindering us - yet. Penelope again attempts, and fails, at chants. What is wrong with her? Perhaps a guilty conscious after Dryads Lair? Either way, Indigo does point out that you can't call everyone names. You might think they row harder, but they're our friends and that isn't nice. Hoffman suggests she brings them food for motivation. Penelope does: by yelling at Jilly to bring food. Er, well, that's one way to do it?

  1. Eventually Brother Foto steps in by chanting a motivational chant and Hoffman checks his endurance. Can he row through the night like Penelope wants? Yes, he can, but Indigo does point out rest might be a better idea after the scrag fight. Bywater (our next destination) isn't going anywhere.

• We arrive at night alive? No encounters? Well then that's good news! Right? Right. A bit of a miracle, but we'll take it. Not like we'll roll something ridiculous like stirges on the very first watch which will result in yet another walking wounded or -

  1. Oh. We do. Of course. No miracles here. Backtracking, we've got watch with Shur, Hoffman, and Howard. Yes, quiet Howard decides to join watch. He feels bad he missed the earlier fight. He was so busy guarding the books he didn't realize it was going so bad. Shur tells him not to worry about it. They make small talk with Howard telling Hoffman how he's one of Branwyn's apprentice, how she brought him back to life after he saved one of the wolves from an ankheg, how she gave him his name back, and, uh, no he is Kayugan not Suomi and that he doesn't have a lady. They don't seem to notice him.
  2. The small talk is interrupted by the sound of wings. We do briefly clarify who is on deck and who is below since not everyone can fit in cargo. Why does this matter? Because stirges. As I mentioned a few sentences ago.
  3. Within seconds we find out that striges really like the taste of poor Wu. He's nearly unconscious before we even roll initiative! With five attached to him, will we save him before he dies? Were we testing fate earlier by mentioning how long it's been since someone died?? What jokes will we tell if Wu is gone???
  4. Stirges do attach to a few others, but are not but a nuisance. Everyone rushes over to save Wu and....succeed! A little too close for comfort, though, at -7 hp! So yes, Wu is helped down to cargo to recover as another walking wounded.

• What does this mean for second and third watch? Will we survive? Spoiler alert: we do, but that doesn't mean the watches aren't interesting...

  1. After the earlier fun, Hoffman, Hugh, and Shur decide to stay up for second watch with Kel and Indigo. Just in case, right? More eyes might help out if something else attempts to sneak up on them.
  2. ...unless it's Jenn who seeks conversation with Kel (who did briefly consider climbing the mast like a tree). She wants to thank him for saving her earlier. But just Kel. Not like Indigo helped, too. And this conversation is just to thank him. No other motives. Not at all. Yeah, like anyone believes that? Anyways, Jenn says she'd be very happy to help Kel out in return. How? By helping make a choice between sweet honey and, um, savory honey? I think? Which translates to choosing between Shi and her. After Jenn remarks how she looks forward to finding out what flavor Kel is (because again, it's Jenn), he walks off to do his rounds only to reaffirm that he'd save her again if she needed it, and he hopes he can count on her. And then he attempts to talk to the sleeping Howard (unsuccessfully, I might add).
  3. Third watch is fun for a different reason: stirge puppets! Or at least, some of us suspect that as Ilero bags up all the stirge bodies. He says he'll toss them in the morning before the ship gets moving so they don't attract anything, but I don't recall him actually tossing the bag...Anyways, after some clean up and minor wound repair, morning comes. We survived the night!

• But can we survive the morning? Or, specifically, can Shi and Kel?

  1. I'd recommend going to chat to read it, but to try to summarize it (because I'm too lazy to put it in dialogue format): awkward small talk, Kel starts to head back up, Shi half-heartedly thanks him for at least checking on her finally, Kel promises he won't let her down, and Shi points out that, yeah, you kind of already did. Ouch.
  2. Shi mentions that the last she remembers is Kel running off before she woke up to Hoffman and Brother Foto helping her. It's not that wishes death upon Jenn, but she only survived thanks to those mentioned earlier as well as Kenna and Hugh. Kel states that Shi looked fine and she was at least on the water unlike Indigo and Jenn. A few arrows and everyone is safe, including Shi! He did give his word to get her home, didn't he? Well she does trust he'll at least bring her body home. Ouch again.
  3. Kel wonders if she honestly thinks he'd leave her if she needed him? Er, well she did need him and he did leave. Well, she's just not been so close to death before, aware their life could be cut short, but he knows she was fine, really. Actually, she's quite aware of how short their life could be since her brother died, thank you very much. If you haven't caught on yet, Shi is definitely not ready to make nice.
  4. Shi does apologize to Kel for overestimating him and thinking he understands more than he actually does - that he can't actually read her mind. She thought he'd know she was in trouble, but he didn't; just like she thought he knew she was still grieving her brother and not ready to gamble on a relationship with him, but he doesn't know that. Whoops sorry?
  5. Well he does admit he can be a bit daft and maybe traveling has dulled some of his senses. He mourns Ellidor, too, but time moves faster out in the world than it does back home. He'll promise to be more alert of her if she promises to listen sometimes when he tells her to. You know, like when those ankheg attack?
  6. Well she does try to, but she's not going to sacrifice her principles, or her friends, to save herself. She'll rush in to help her friends like she rushed in to help Kel from the centipedes because that's what friends do. And although the others are her friends, he is one of her best friends. She won't think twice to help him over someone else.
  7. Er, yes, friends. She treasures their friendship. She knows that's not what you want, Kel, but...wait, where are you going? Hmm, daft indeed.

• This leaves Shi snuggling with the wolves and complaining to them about Kel, while Kel puts all his feelings into rowing and chanting. See Penelope? Now THAT'S how you do it! Heave ho! At this rate we'll be in Bywater drinking Hin Brew tonight!

  1. ...provided we survive any remaining encounter rolls before we reach Bywater. Does a miracle await us? Will Kel catch all those dropped hints with his new lasso? And is Kenna's family in Terraguard or not? We don't know, but guess we'll find out next week!

Quotes of the Night:

[Master] BUT the area between the Rumbling River and the Veilkaya River is known as the steaming lands
[Master] lands of fire
[Master] etc.
[Master] so if you get too close
[Master] etc.
[Spring] well that doesn't sound so great
[Spring] unless you wanna run a spa

[Brother Fotopoulos (JohnA)] (do Treant's have family trees?)
[MarioCS] (Treants have deep family roots)
[MarioCS] (that branch out in different ways)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (That's one vein of thought, I suppose)
[Master] -Branwyn - young quick Branwyn long hair quick tongue sharp eye tree healer
[Indigo (Lisa)] (no more puns or is everyone stumped?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (I didn't want to be a stick in the ground...)
Ilero (TMO)] (I say leaf it alone)
[MarioCS] (ha! waiting for the foreign language one)
[MarioCS] (some of these are just arbol)
[MarioCS] (Spanish for tree)
Ilero (TMO)] Baum baum-baum BAUM
Ilero (TMO)] (German for tree)
[Brother Fotopoulos (JohnA)] (you mean branch?)
[MarioCS] (either way, winner!)
[Master] we are losing sight of the goal, focusing on trees rather than the forest
[Master] you need to get out of the forest
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Points to Mario and TMO this round)

[Penelope (Master)] but they need to be motivated
[Penelope (Master)] and not twitterpated
[Indigo (Lisa)] I don't think Shi's bird has anything to do with anything
[Penelope (Master)] birds fly free
[Penelope (Master)] row with glee
[Kel (MarioCS)] Klee Klee!

[Penelope (Master)] HOW WE ROW
[Penelope (Master)] STOPS THE BLOW
[Penelope (Master)] MAKES US FLOW
[Penelope (Master)] GIVE IT A GO
[Kel (MarioCS)] I don’t know...
[Indigo (Lisa)] OR SOON WE'LL NEED A TOW

[Aunt Jennevive (Master)] you do need help
[Kel (MarioCS)] how can you help me now?
Shurkural (TMO)] I think your boots are too tight.
[Kel (MarioCS)] Shur, I think you’re right, I do tend to fall a lot, especially when I can’t afford to
[Shurkural]] (TMO) facepalms.

[Kel (MarioCS)] Can Kel try out his lasso?
[Lisa] to try to catch all the hints Shi was dropping?
[Lisa] tosses Kel line
[Lisa] MISS

---

Session: 20180216

• It's a quiet morning of rowing with Hoffman and Indigo making light conversation about being on track, Kel, and how smoothly the morning is going. Always bad to tempt fate, isn't it? Sometimes it comes back to bite you in the form of an eel swarm. And yes, while swarm is the proper collective noun, we could also call them a bed of eels or a fry of eels if you prefer.

  1. So who's on deck as this swarm of eels rolls/swims/flies towards us? What are we to do? Penelope is worried they'll foul the oars so pull to port! Left! LEFT!
  2. Half the crew steadies the rudder while the other tries to maneuver the ship. The good news? Miss the eels! The bad news? We broke 8 (out of 20 total) oars, all on the starboard sides. Whoops! But at least the rudder is safe. Trust me, a broken rudder is the last thing you want to deal with while sailing.
  3. Shi, who is currently avoiding the deck, goes up to see what happened. QuiFon points out how the only dwarf is the one outside while the elf is the one in the dark. Jennevive helpful points out the obvious of Shi not having spells at the moment, but does request she send Branwyn a message once she can to let her know that we'll be late (is she even counting?).
  4. While wind servants can help make up soon time after we distribute the oars evenly starboard and port side, Indigo makes plans to see Master Earwine (that's a name?) in Rivers Bend to get more oars. Hoffman also believes he might be able to make some oars although he'd need the right tools.
  5. Meanwhile, Snee and Hugh contemplate catching some of the remaining eels to eat.
  6. As wind from Kenna guides us past the remaining swarm/bed/fry of eels, Ilero and QuiFon talk briefly about being thieves (or at least having the skills) and if Ilero can teach QuiFon (and if Ilero is done teaching himself). So it is agreed that Ilero will start training QuiFon.

• At this rate, we're unlikely to make it to Bywater before night falls. What are we to do but to keep rowing? Of course, it helps to see. The plan? Stick a necklace of continuous light in Kel's boot which Ilero will hold with his Hand of Reaching and shine it in front of them! That was definitely the first plan that came to your mind, wasn't it?

  1. Indigo did point out that the ghost ship had a light so we can, too.
  2. Motivated Kel, Brother Foto chanting at Hoffman, as well as the lovely light, help get the crew to Bywater not long after night(fall).

• Remember that time Indigo warned the town about the troll invasion? The tower guard remembers. And he would be honored to have the Hero Indigo come over for dinner.

  1. But yes, leave a guard with the ship. Ghost pirates have been spotted the last three nights. They run away from the many pretty town lights. Whoever guards the knarr needs to keep a boot light handy. And a hand handy.
  2. Ilero is put in charge by Penelope while she, Indigo, Kenna, Marisu, Kel, and Jennevive (invited by Kel) make their way to the house of the tower guard where his wife awaits with a feast.
  3. Dinner is fun as the wife of the tower guard, Priestess Meadow, finds Kel to be very pretty. Can you stay? She doesn't mind asking Indigo how long she can keep him. Uh, keep him company is what she means. Yeah. But surely Kel would prefer to stay with Jennevive, yes? Wait, don't you have a husband, Meadow? And don't you, too, Jennevive??
  4. They then make their way to the local bar where the town only cares to hear from Indigo, the Royal Bounder, about anything that concerns Gold Hills. Screw caring about anything else.

• Meanwhile, on the boat, something goes bump in the night...
• Half the group returned to the boat for the night, some stayed in town, but as they all wake up on the knarr or walk to the knarr that morning, nothing is out of sorts. So what was that bump?

  1. Shi and Jennevive work on sending a message to Branwyn before Shi joins Wu and Jilly for a trip to town.
  2. Indigo, after hearing about the bump from Ilero, dives in to see what it is: a lamprey has attached! Well, between him and Shur, they can kill it, right? Er...
  3. So after a few misses (both to the lamprey and to the boat), Indigo asks Howard if he can help. But can Howard cast underwater? Um, not when the spell requires talking. Howard almost drowns and his spell, while it technically went off, fails to do anything. Aww...
  4. Back to poking it with swords! This time Indigo lands a successful hit and the lamprey dies from that single hit. Success!

• Indigo knows we are just over 50 miles away from Rivers Bend, about 36 miles per day being normal, so about two days total. We still have a single day and night on the open lake. We're down some oars, but we do have some winds spells. The question is, will we survive two more days of travel? Find out in two weeks!
• Note to BOB and/or self: Shi is missing from the XP list end of chat. Mistake or she did not earn any since she was walking wounded? {definitely a mistake-BOB}

Quotes of the Night:

[Indigo (Lisa)] Light in Kel's boot?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Light or a snake?)
[Miranda Paige]] (JohnA) goes and grabs Kel's boot, checks for snakes
Ilero (TMO)] (thar's a snake in mah boot!)

Ilero (TMO)] (Doom comes bearing a glowing boot!)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (So bootiful)
[Master] on the starboard bank you spot glowing lights, so pretty
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] We sail with Sole
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] not a heel amongst us

[Priestess (Master)] I would be glad to have you stay for a while
[Priestess (Master)] I can talk to Sir Indigo about how long I can keep you
[Priestess (Master)] I mean how long you will be staying
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] and I hope to learn more of you and your clan
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] sorry, did you say 'keep me'

Marisu (TMO)] (1d20) [1d20=6] 6
Ilero (TMO)] (the silence of the GM is worrying)
[Kel (Mario Laptop)] (it takes a while to set up 43 sea hags)

[Indigo (Lisa)] (how hard is it to hit a big fish stuck in one place?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Well it's not in a barrel so...)

---

Session: 20180309c

• So where are we and where are we going? BOB has a map for that, and no, the blue is not The Mist. The Mist is those very obvious black lines. See that Estate there? And that one? What about that one? Okay, we're good now, yes? Good. Back to the nicely polished knarr also known as the updated map made by Mario! Who wants to go water skiing??
• We've left Bywater, sailing along, and knowing that we can't avoid the lake at this point as two days across it is the most direct and fastest way to Rivers Bend. What awaits us there?

  1. In the meantime, small talk! How was dinner, Indigo? It was good, everyone had a good time, sorry not everyone was there, and what did that priestess mean about keeping Kel?
  2. Oh she just liked you is all! Hin women are quite forward about who they like (but how can one tell if they're married?). Besides, elves are exotic. Who doesn't want to keep an elf? Oh, but yes, it applies to both male AND female elves, dear Kel. So if Shi had also gone to dinner...
  3. Besides, people like those who are different than them, like Indigo and Penelope, Shur and Ilero, Branwyn and Tiberius. Hmm, a bit of an eclectic group, isn't it?

• Thankfully we make it through the day without any problems and decide to anchor for the night. In the middle of the lake. Not like we have much choice, right? So watches?

  1. But first, Shi asks for some of the berries they bought at market from Jilly. She already fed some to Fete which...Shi can't really get upset about that. Apparently her plan is to fatten Fete up so Tinu does not eat him because Tinu will now wait for Fete to be fat? That's a...thought, I guess? Except maybe don't so he can still fly, Jilly. Also, he really likes grasshoppers if you wanted to make Fete really happy. Oh! She does have crickets. Would he like those, too? Wait. Why?? For Branwyn, of course. Um, does Branwyn eat crickets, too...? It's for the spell sleep, don't worry. Pretty sure Branwyn doesn't eat crickets...
  2. Back to watches (after shuffling around the sleepers), first up are Kel and Shi as there is still a bit of awkwardness there for some strange, life defying reason or another. And don't mind Jilly. She's definitely asleep and not listening in.
  3. Anyways, back to the conversation, Kel admits he did some thinking and realized that Shi did need his help and understands why she might be a teensy-bit angry. Keeping in mind that she sent an angry letter only earlier that day, she might still be a bit furious and is currently not helping him at all by staying quiet. Shi admits to her fear, Kel tells her why he went to help Indigo and how it was a decision and he didn't necessarily choose someone over her, and Shi says he'll have plenty of time to prove that again.
  4. Wait, so you really think he'd leave you in peril? That he's that kind of guy? She's still trying to make sense of everything, but, well, true, she does admit she doesn't think he'd want her to die, at least. That's something, right? Before he leaves in frustation, Shi does want to know if Kel and Jenn, and no, nevermind. What? Her jealous? Of course not! Definitely not, and wait, did you hear a splash? Oh thank goodness. Saved by the need to save someone! (But hey, at least they're on speaking terms now so success?).
  5. The elves notice a lovely, if slightly off-key, song and some of their male companions trying (and at least one succeeding) in jumping off deck. Sirens. Also, where's Wu? You know who. And why is Indigo moving towards the deck? At least Ilero is tied up (his own doing), and Howard is woken by the noise, but thankfully doesn't like this song very much.
  6. First round has Shi casting water walk on herself and Kel. While he and Howard run to save Wu, Shi runs to try and tackle Indigo.
  7. Second round has the elves yelling for help to wake the others on deck, Shi attempts to tackle Indigo, Howard jumps overboard to save Wu, Kel lassos Howard, Shur pins Ilero down, and Penelope briefly accuses Shi of getting a little too close to Indigo for her comfort, but thankfully quickly understands it's sirens and Shi is just trying to stop Indigo from jumping ship. So Penelope jumps in to help - by stabbing Indigo through his foot to pin him to the deck. I mean, I guess that works? But ouch.
  8. Third round has Howard successfully grabbing Wu and pulling him back to the ship with help from Kel, Shi tries to help Shur with Ilero, Kenna successfully remembers remove curse is a great way to stop someone who is charmed, and Penelope screams at the sirens across the lake before knocking Indigo out with the hilt. Again, I guess that works, but ouch. Penelope angry.
  9. In the end (round four? no round?), Wu is saved, but as he did technically drown, is now walking wounded. The others survive, either with the charm dispelled or, in Indigo's case, knocked out cold and therefore unable to jump deck. Shi and Shur quickly realize they can still hear the sirens and are anchored. Time to move? Yes, I think so.

• They row through second watch (and Penelope's very believable threats of stabbing) to put space between then (but preventing anyone from getting a good night's sleep) and are only visited by seals when they anchor for third watch. Too bad no one on third watch can speak to them to know why they're so far from shore!

  1. It's worth noting that Indigo gains consciousness during second watch and finds out why he is in so much pain. As Penelope tells him, "Shi grabbed you. I stabbed you," and presumably ended that statement with "You're Welcome,". At least she's not shy about her actions. She even kindly suggests he gets red boots to replace these because the blood will be less noticable!
  2. Also might be worth noting that while Johan attempts to help with third watch, he apparently never gained his sea legs and vomits over the rail. Er, mostly over the rail.

• Morning comes, Ilero is released from his ropes and doesn't try to jump deck, Shi is told about the seals, and we thankfully sail through the day without a problem.

  1. Another side note that Indigo does try to convince Shi not to worry about Penelope. See? She saved him! She only had to stab him to do so, and she'd do the same for anyone. Uh, well that's, uh, that's great? I'm sure there was definitely not a better way.

• Is that Rivers Bend? More importantly, is that solid land?? Most important, how important is breathing???

  1. And here we leave off because, to answer the last question, very. Also it's apparently difficult to type and cough and breath all at the same time. Who knew??
  2. So where is Branwyn? What will we do about the wolves? Will TMO remember anything about Rivers Bend?? As always, tune in next week to find out!

Quotes of the Night:

[Indigo (Lisa)] Hmmm... the ship looks different this morning.
[Indigo (Lisa)] Can't place it
[TMO] Has our ride been jacked?
[Indigo (Lisa)] Too much ale last night?
[TMO] wait, wrong show. Has our ride been pimped?

[Jilly (Master)] (quietly) shhhh
[Kel (MarioCS)] Jilly, why arent you in bed?
[Master] crickets
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] Probably feeding Fete.
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] ...crickets....
[Kel (MarioCS)] that girl needs a bell
Shi'Nynze (Carissa) shakes head, "But then others would hear her, too, and she couldn't save us."

[Kel (MarioCS)] it was a split second decision to save him. I didnt choose him over you . i wouldnt ever choose any of these fine folk over you
[Kel (MarioCS)] youare all that atters, and i hope to prove that to you. again. some day
[Master] you hear that? Kel is hoping or an almost party kill to prove his love for Shi

[Master] Howard is charmed
[Indigo (Lisa)] (he made his save!)
[Master] OH sorry
[Master] then yes he can help
[Indigo (Lisa)] (what kind of crappy charm school is this?)

[Kel (MarioCS)] (remeber to not use his boot for a light, its got a hole in it)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Wouldn't that make it a holy light, though?)

---

Session: 20180309c

• Before we get too much farther, we need to try to decide upon our plan. How many skiffs? How will Branwyn and Tiberius get to Portown? Who are the swimmers so they can be paired together on the skiff? Why do the wolves count as cargo on the knarr, but people on the skiffs, and do they count as swimmers? Also, can they navigate (short answer: no)? What about Fete, Eddie, and Mercy? So many questions.

  1. To recap: we have roughly 170 miles to go down river into the swamps to get to Portown. There we have to give up the knarr and switch to skiffs. It'll be another 80+ miles to reach Jistille Estates.
  2. We'll need 10 skiffs (each holds 4 at 500 lbs, but plan for 3 per on chance of losing one). If we buy them, it'll cost 100 gp each. We'll need to buy some oars, too, at 50 gp total. We could make the skiffs or sell our 1000 gp diamond for them. But, either way, it's probably best to load up in Rivers Bend where we're certain they'll at least have that many oars and skiffs (or at least supplies to make skiffs) available.
  3. As for the swimmers? Now all marked on the front page for this Era. No reason to decide on pairs at this very moment. And no, Mercy does not yet count as people nor does Fete, but Eddie does. Confusing, isn't it?
  4. Who's getting gator snacks that are not Fete or any of the wolves?
  5. In regards to cargo, the room scroll is 10 by 10 by 10 and holds a bit under 1,000 cubic feet worth of stuff. We've currently filled about 800 cubic feet. Toss the rest of the cargo in?
  6. As for Branwyn and Tiberius? We'll have to break the news to them, but they have teleport to reach Portown.
  7. All good for the moment? We hope so. Planning is a headache. Moving on.

• We've arrived in Rivers Bend! Time to dock and wake the grumpy harbormaster (what are apprentices for if not to wake their master to do the work?). Besides, he might have a message for Indigo. Does he? Yes, he's Admiral Indigo Bolger the Halfling. Yes, he's expecting a message from Branwyn Branadarus, Mysterious, Marquessa, you know. Do you have the message or not? Ah there we go, thank you. Fly a white flag, just one ship, decide on if we want a guard plus the royal marines, and who'll be going into town?

  1. Indigo hands off the scroll for Marisu to read to the group. Just a short message that they're doing well, can't wait to see everyone, and are staying at the 6 Griffons Lodge. You know, the haunted place with the strange murder and something about an ape! Lovely!
  2. Jon the Sailor is selected to help us while the harbormaster goes back to sleep. Anyone staying with him, the stranger sailor they just met who has offered to guard all their worldly possessions? Why yes, Jennevive, maybe he should meet the wolves! Er, wolfhounds. With more wolf than hound in their bloodline. Yeah, that's it.
  3. Most of the group decides to stay with the ship, Jon decides he'll watch from the mast, far from the wolves with their sharp, shiny teeth and with a chamberpot for company, Kenna is given ribbons to send with Fete if there is trouble, Qui and Ilero practice their thief skills, and Penelope never leaves her post. So off Indigo, Snee, Marisu, Shur, Shi, and Kel go!

• As they head off towards 6 Griffons Lodge, Snee and Shi act very much the tourist taking in all the sights. Allowed to keep their weapons (dueling IS legal, here), Kel keeps a sharp eye. Indigo eventually gets them to the lodge where they're greeted by Serving Girl #5! No, we're not members of your guild, but two of your guests are expecting us. No, we're not lying.

  1. Yes, they were expecting to expect us and here we are! United for now, Tiberius wants to hear everything and all things about the adventure he missed on their way to Rivers Bend. You know, orcs, eels, broken oars, giants on ice, fire's price, scrags, sirens, storms and near deaths, a friend zone or two, and all that fun stuff! You definitely didn't miss anything, Tiberius.
  2. Well he did get to see some operas, and a regatta where he won gold, and there was that duel...that Branwyn did not let him join in on. Oh and the gypsy woman who told fortunes but those whose fortunes were told would not tell him what she told them.
  3. Oh, Dryads Lair? Some fishing ambassadors, stolen and re-stolen chalices, and all that fun stuff. The new ambassador is going to throw a party and doesn't hate Branwyn, so that's good! And yes, quite a few of us are suspicious of Penelope's role in the chalice heist.
  4. Drowning? Yes, Jennevive almost drowned, Indigo jumped in to save her, Shi was tossed overboard and later Neith, Kenna made sure they could walk on water, and you know, all that. No, Kel can't swim, but he has a sword and oar, Tiberius, you instigator. On that note, we don't believe Teb can swim, either. Also, can Shi have some wine, please? Thanks.
  5. Yes, vacation is over and we'll be back on the knarr soon. Er, well, not all of us. By the way, did we mention all the others we picked up at Dryads Lair? Sorry, not sure there is room for you two...we'll figure it out later? Maybe after a little time in Rivers Bend, hearing singing in the park and perhaps the boys can go find trouble and/or a duel! Oh dear.
  6. By the way, remember how Tiberius has some cute young nieces? Who may or may not be alive now? Yeah...maybe don't rush back to tell them stories, Tiberius? I mean, Shi's grandmother traveled for nearly 100 years. Or was it 150 years? Well, either way, you certainly don't have enough stories yet to return. Nope.
  7. No feast, but maybe not fish? Perhaps we can load up on what the caravans bring in before we leave. Now where are we going to sleep? No rooms at the lodge...

• While Branwyn and Tiberius stay at the lodge, the rest are taken to a place just over the bridge. The presumptuous staff at the inn decide that Shur and Marisu are roommates, Indigo and Snee, and that the elves would room together, obviously.

  1. No one is going to tell Penelope that Indigo roomed with a girl, right? I don't think Penelope will care what Snee prefers, especially if she hears about the mysterious lights and the crash of the bed (it was just Indigo jumping on it, promise!). Remember how Penelope stabbed Indigo (one benefit of rooming with a priest - healing!)? Yeah, let's keep this secret between us, all right?
  2. So that leaves one slightly buzzed elf (and tired player) and one who realized that he might have been maybe an ass earlier. Shi does not disagree with this statement. Kel apologizes, admits he doesn't think they'll ever be as they were, and asks if they can start fresh in the morning as he doesn't want to be fighting with her. Shi does point out that, even acting like an ass, he probably just made better friends with Tiberius, and she does want to believe him, having heard Indigo's version of the story, so yes, she'll accept his apology and they'll start anew the next day. Besides, she doesn't want to lose their friendship because...oh damn wine (and lack of sleep). Because what? Can't heal if they don't communicate. Well, she doesn't want to lose you, too (ouch). Kel promises she won't. Sleep well!

• So next? Everyone at Six (6?) Griffons Lodge? Click through the days? Who is doing what? Er, at this point, I don't think any of us have the ability to think left so maybe let's wait until next week? That's a good plan.

  1. ...but Indigo and Penelope are getting oars and skiffs (or just the supplies?). Hoffman might wish to join them (and it'll take about two days for oars and skiffs in four days). Branwyn will be getting plenty of wax to waterproof things that can't go in the room scroll to prepare for the trip. She can take the apprentices, and how is it going with getting her protection from undead scroll (she has had 9 to 14 days to get them)? Meanwhile, Snee and Shi want to see all the sights in Rivers Bend. Kel would like to find a bone scroll case. Ilero might still look into dragon armor if there is enough time (but probably not). What else do we need to do? Er, we still have a few days to figure it out! See you next week!

Quotes of the Night:

[Jon the sailor (Master)] Is she a good witch?
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] NO
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] Who?
[Kel (MarioCS)] Depends on who you ask
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] Wu?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] I didn't know he was a witch.
[Kel (MarioCS)] Who is not a witch,
[Kel (MarioCS)] which Who?
Shi'Nynze (Carissa) flashes Jon a smile, "Treat them well!"
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) Or else...
Jon the sailor (Master) gulps, nods
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] She is no witch, but I would be wary
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] she loves those animals a good deal

[Serving Girl #5 (Master)] are they expecting you?
[Indigo (Lisa)] Not at this moment, no. But they are expecting to be expecting us

[Serving Girl #5 (Master)] along with a young boy?
[Branwyn (Lisa)] Women? Boy ... Indigo?
[Serving Girl #5 (Master)] Yes he did say his name was Indigo
Shurkural (TMO)] We found your son you put up for adoption all those years ago!
[Shurkural]] (TMO) points to Indigo.

[Lord Branadarus (Master)] and Kel and Jenn wrestling in the water with you
[Indigo (Lisa)] Uhhh ... wasn't like that

[Lord Branadarus (Master)] Who is QuiFon?
[Kel (MarioCS)] No, Who is who, QuiFon is different
[Indigo (Lisa)] On the airship. But he finished his training and came to meet up with Brother Foto
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] Is Foto the weird quiet one?
[Kel (MarioCS)] no, that’s who
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] I uh well
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] so who is there?
[Kel (MarioCS)] yes!

[Kel (MarioCS)] true, but Shi did know
[Kel (MarioCS)] didn’t shi?
[Kel (MarioCS)] (see what I did there?)

---

Session: 20180316c

• Logistics before playing include making sure we're on the same page of buying skiffs, seeing the house we'll end up at eventually and knowing we'll have to address the lack of beds for everyone at some point, and deciding who is at the tavern in the morning. As we start with only three players (which means EXP!), that last question is more for later because...
• After teasing out who knows what in regards to the vampire Queen Cinna and her sinister plans to kill all her child (except Tiberius who just needs to disappear forever), we decide the first order of business should be poking Branwyn for more information. Indigo did give Shi some information to start with and apparently poking Branwyn might get her to spill more than we think, so let's find out, shall we?

  1. ...after we convince Indigo to go please take Tiberius oar shopping. Sounds like an adventure, right? No? Well, Indigo just needs to grab his pack and his swords because you never know when a duel might break out, right? Ah, those swords caught your interest, did they? Bring Indigo to some bars nearby? Sight-seeing? Snee is up for that, too! And Penelope goes where Indigo goes. Have fun you four! We'll definitely not be talking about one (or more) of you specifically while you're gone!
  2. So anyways, does Tiberius know his mother is a vampire? No? Okay we're on the same page. Is she going to come kill us? Probably and you're preparing for it by getting some protection from undead scrolls scrolls? Great! Oh, and he's not allowed back to Cornelia? Well we'll help you with that now that we know. You believe only you and Tiberius need to truly worry about remaining in The Mist? A relief, but don't forget we worry about you, too! At this point, we think she only knows that Branwyn and Jennevive know she's a vampire so they're likely the only ones with targets on their backs. That means they can't go back because she will kill all her children (remove the pieces of her old life) once she remarries, and oh, she did remarry, but her daughter killed the new husband. Wait, what?
  3. While the information is surprising, somehow the source is not: Jennevive. According to her, she gave Tiberius's sister (did she have a name?) Julia a poisoned dagger. She knows the Queen did remarry, but the husband died. While she isn't positive Julia killed him, she was one of the very few allowed close to him so yeah, probably the murderer. Why she didn't use it on her mother? Who knows (punishment over killing her mother?), but this means the children (as in Tiberius's siblings and hopefully his nieces) are possibly still alive.
  4. And if you're curious, as of now, the nieces are nameless.
  5. Jennevive doesn't know when the murder happened, but it was only three days after they left. As a side note, the Queen originally planned her maternal filicide two days after the wedding; however, she delayed her marriage to her new husband or, in her words, she was "persuaded that a more opportune time for my own wedding lies more than two days hence" - by Julia, perhaps? So how did Jennevive find out? She won't say, but three days after the wedding, Branwyn did question Jennevive about her gifts - but Jennevive was quiet as they were likely still being watched. It is also the day she mentioned she knows the Queen chose a new husband. But really, how does Jennevive know the new husband died? Was that random red ribbon part of this (many days later so probably not)? Some spell on the dagger (more likely if one exists)? Who knows - except Jennevive.
  6. To be clear, Jennevive only knows the dagger she gave away was used, and she knows the new husband is dead. She can only guess Julia used the dagger on the new husband, but she does not know for certain. He could have died some other way and the dagger could have been used in some other fashion.
  7. Of course, Jennevive is so happy by all this fun new chaos she created (but hates to admit her lacking knowledge of various details), and won't it just be easier now to tell Tiberius his sister is a murderer than his mother (and probably also his sister) are vampires? If only we could ask Sam what's going on. Maybe Branwyn can speak with someone when they get home?
  8. Well Indigo did hope Branwyn would speak to the Brotherhood. You know, the offshoots of the Cahus faction of the Kayugans? Strange fanatics, but maybe have some information. By the way, did we ever give up that Cahus spell we found to the Celestry?
  9. Anyways, the point of this conversation: what and when will we/Branwyn/Teb tell Tiberius? Um, we still don't know. Break it to him softly? Tell him now? Wait until we get to Drillian? Let Teb accidentally slip it out? Not like Tiberius would believe him, but hey, you never know! Oh, and no, Kel, he is not a vampire.
  10. Well maybe, but Branwyn is also worried about Drillian, Marisu, the war ...you know, all the things that seem to keep piling up endlessly? They settle on waiting, for now, so she can at least make sure Marisu is safe in case she has to chase down Tiberius later. Now that that's settles, any other gossip abound?
  11. Okay, but really, how do we know for sure Penelope didn't steal those chalices? Maybe she had an accomplice. The whole thing was fishy. Jennevive doesn't believe she committed the original theft so Kenna lets it go, but can we all agree that Penelope has a particular fascination for Indigo and they are an interesting match? Yes, yes we can. We can also agree that Marisu deserves a fair chance with the Queen.
  12. And to note, not because many of us like the idea of Teb breaking the news to Tiberius (because it's more like love the idea), it is maybe possible that Teb did not hear the agreement to wait to tell Tiberius the news of his mother and not discuss any of it in front of him...

• From here, we skip through the next four days. Kel gets his bone-case instant flashlight, Kenna probably helped deliver some babies, Shi listened to music, Branwyn is still working on getting those scrolls (and will teleport to Portown once she gets them), and Jilly got her fortune told! But at the good fortune teller, not the bad one?

  1. Another side note that if we only row, we're 11-12 days from Portown (arrival somewhere near the 27th), but with good wind we can cut that in half (and hoping this includes wind servants because yes, we're taking advantage of that again).
  2. So Jilly did get a knitted pouch that the fortune teller said would keep paper dry, and she told her she'd meet a man of steel. Not a knight, like Jilly would think initially, so an actually man made of steel, I guess? I don't know. We'll find out, maybe, if that really was the good fortune teller! The fortune teller was already confused about Teb so maybe not. But now Jilly has made it her mission to make Teb famous outside of The Wildlands, so there's that?
  3. They say their farewells to Branwyn and Tiberius who they'll see again soon enough. Jilly will keep everyone safe and save them in the meantime. And Tiberius leaves them with rumors he's heard about the mist causing others to lose their mind. Ah, such a comforting thought?
  4. Oh and Tiberius decided to visit multiple fortune tellers all who told him he has no future or a dark future, but he doesn't believe them because he makes his own future. That's the spirit! And no, Indigo, that prophecy isn't about him. Whyever would it be?

• Speaking of prophecy, they Cross the Bridge as they sail off towards Portown:
  Simply called the Bridge by all the inhabitants of the city this is the engineering marvel that so encompasses people's thought about connecting to the rest of the world that to say you are crossing the bridge can mean you are taking a spiritual journey or have crossed into death.
• So we leave with the skiffs tied down on the deck or in cargo where they fit (and everything else possible in the room scroll) and a bit of magicked wind to speed us along away from Rivers Bend. What awaits us out of the safety of town and on the river? Well...

  1. First encounter? Gypsy Oriel extracting a toll from us. He wants a full single silver per passenger! He also lets us know we need to be ready for pirates later on. Indigo, appreciating this bit of information, and not wanting to fight over such an amount, hands Kel a pouch full of 3 gp which they get to the deck via arrow. Have a good day, kind sirs and ma'ams!
  2. Second encounter? The dreaded fish dinner. No, really. You know how they've been complaining about eating fish all the time? Yeah, that last batch went bad. More than half the crew is now out with food poisoning. MORE THAN HALF THE CREW. Only Indigo, Snee, Shi, and Wu (and the wolves and bird) decided to skip the fish and are therefore the only ones who can do anything as the rest are out (counted as walking wounded, but will only need a single cure to full health after 24 hours have passed). And look! Here comes the evening! WITH LESS THAN HALF THE CREW ABLE TO DO ANYTHING. Have I mentioned how many are out because of food poisoning? Because it's not a nice number.
  3. We thankfully encounter nothing for the third roll, but this leaves us with only four people and four wolves available to keep watch during the night. Perhaps we should bank on the other side of the river away from the place called Bear's Head because that's ominous.

• So here we are in no man's land, and possibly for the best, the end of the night. Maybe we'll be lucky and some of the others didn't eat fish? Otherwise watches will be interesting, and hopefully uneventful. Only one way to find out! See you next week!

Quotes of the Night:

[MarioCS] ohhhh a double bed. WHo gets that room?
[Lisa] Wu doesn't need a double bed

[Master] and who is where
[Master] who is staying and who is rowing
[Kel (MarioCS)] where is Who?
[Kel (MarioCS)] he’s very busy!!

[Kel (MarioCS)] you just got married to your wonderful wife, and you want to believe you have no future?
[Kel (MarioCS)] and I thought I was daft
Shi'Nynze (Carissa) grins (E) Which is why you two get along so well.
[Kel (MarioCS)] (E) don’t you dare agree with me
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) Too late.

[Gypsy Male (Master)] YOU NEED TO PAY THE TOLL
[Indigo (Lisa)] WHO'S TOLL?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] A troll? Where?
[Gypsy Male (Master)] OUR TOLL

---

Session: 20180323c

In memory of Tinu (Star):

16-12-1266 TGR to 19-7-1267 TGR

Sigh. I'm pretty sure the above statement is all the summary you truly need, but perhaps you want to know how we arrive at such a point? While we had a spot of luck or two, more or less, our encounter rolls were pathetic all night. I suppose this means starting at the beginning...

• Our saving grace for the night was the non-dramatic ending to the food poisoning. While more did indeed catch food poisoning (and apparently we could have used slow poisoning, whoops), we made it through the night without a hitch.

  1. In order to help out, Brother Foto does cast Iron Vigil on Hoffman. This is now day one out of thirteen of him meditating rather than sleeping. In other words, extra watches for him! As he also does not need food or drink, we won't have to worry about him getting food poisoning anytime soon.
  2. In terms of logistics, for the moment, those on the far left are on the knarr or in the hold while those on the far right of the map are on shore or land.
  3. Deciding to wait and let the food poisoning pass cost us a day of travel. In other words, we've been gone from Rivers Bend two days now, but have only traveled one day.

• The following night we get through first watch without an issue. Of course that does mean an encounter second watch, but all considered, it isn't a terrible one when it's simply a floating mage trying to commandeer your ship for the Queen's navy.

  1. We have Kel guarding those on shore, Ilero watching from the rigging, and Indigo on deck so this means when Orthinmadrigal the Amazing sees him, he immediately recognizes the Admiral of the Queen's Navy, right? Of course not.
  2. We discover from Orthinmadrigal that he has orders from the Queen to intercept and bring ships to her for the navy. Those who do not wish to join the navy do get to live, but are left stranded. Sounds like a good plan to win the hearts of many, yes? At least you can apply for compensation. Right...
  3. Orthinmadrigal does not believe he is in the presence of either Indigo or Ilero, who serve the Queen. Indigo asks Hugh to fetch his taberd, but all this noise is, well, noisy. And awakens Jennevive. Ah, well, that's...a good idea to have her talk to this questionable mage! She suggests killing him. Good...plan?
  4. Finally Orthinmadrigal looks at the taberd, is stunned into multiple exclamations of OH and decides that maybe taking the Queen's ship for the Queen isn't a good plan. He ends up handing Indigo a scroll which speaks for itself simply welcoming Indigo home and asking for him to return home as soon as he can.
  5. Jennevive tells Orthinmadrigal (or Orny, as she prefers) that the Admiral requires him to stay there on patrol and bring in whatever ships he can find that are not already part of the navy; however, (via spell command) he needs to stop stopping ships and let them pass. He can ask if they will join, but they can keep passing if they do not want to join. She gives him a small pouch of something, tells him not to mention the conversation or seeing them or anything to anyone, and lets him be on his way. Now they have the advantage of surprise.
  6. There is a brief discussion on if a flying mage is a good mage, if Branwyn would be one to want to fly, Hugh telling Indigo his disagreement with forcing ships to the service of the Queen, and Indigo suggesting Hugh tell the Queen herself. Who knows, maybe she'll make an advisor. Only one way to find out, Hugh.

• In comparison to the remaining rolls, Orthinmadrigal was incredibly harmless. Perhaps he threw us off guard on purpose? As we come to third watch, the shore party is attacked by four Giant Frogs. To be clear, they are big frogs, but not technically giant. Not confusing at all. But to be fair, they ARE big enough to eat things whole.

  1. And yes, I did check, Giant Frogs did melt one of Indigo's swords on skin contact back when we were hiding in a cellar planning on attacking a bugbear keep.
  2. One frog attacks Anor and attempts to eat her whole while another attacks Shi, trying to wrap his tongue around her, and while he misses on first try, he does wake her up.
  3. While Shi briefly considers more animal friends, they DID attack her wolves so she simply freezes them all in place. Problem solved! Miranda asks if Shi still wants friends, Shi says she cannot befriend something that tried to eat her wolves, so Miranda kills the frogs (who are frozen and cannot attack back).

• Well then, while they're awake and alive (and Anor is patched up), Miranda asks Shi some questions about her faith, relationships, family, and all that jazz. Unlike Solonor, Indun cares a little bit more about potential couples being the same religion. Shi only has to worry about her mother on that one. So what is Miranda to do? Will she have to choose between Hoffman and her religion? No easy answer for that one right now.

  1. Other interesting bits of conversation include eavesdropping Kel being happy to hear Shi say she thinks they're at least back to where they were before the Jennevive drowning and Shi almost dying incident, while Miranda contemplates trying to become an elf who never ages or dies. Unlike Miranda, Shi believes living forever to be a curse.

• So onward we sail making it through the day without a hitch. That can only mean another horrendous night encounter, yes? And bad decisions? Unfortunately yes. Cue giant snapping turtle.

  1. Long story short, Shi tells the wolves to run with two heading from shore to ship forgetting that it will involve swimming. The giant snapping turtle can also swim. One wolf does not make it. Shi curses and taunts the turtle (spending a spell to make sure he understands her) who escapes only wounded and with Tinu in his jaws.
  2. Lessons learned: find out HOW to get back to ship because while you might be imaging a plank, in reality swimming is involved. Check your spells: if they are truly giant in size and not just large, the spell might not work on them. Consider failure: if your spell fails, does it mean you'll be eaten instead? Accept reality: if it wasn't Tinu, it would have been Galad. In conclusion: I am still sad.
  3. This obviously results in Shi being beside herself with grief, the others offering condolences, Kel giving Shi a hug and a promise, and spending the rest of the night with her remaining three wolves in the hold of the ship.
  4. It didn't fit on the songs page, but here is an interesting video TMO posted about the lie that is the five stages of grief.

• After that excitement, surely next watch will go better? No. Haven't you been reading? This means that those three griffons we see flying above the ship? Not friendly. Not at all.

  1. Since they waited to see if the griffons were friendly, the griffons get in the first attack. Indigo is quickly snatched up. Jilly runs over and latches on to Indigo's waist in an effort to save him. Beserker Penelope attacks the griffon. The griffon attacks in returns and knocks her unconscious. Neith ends up commanding the griffon to drop Indigo which he does before flying away mildly hurt.
  2. Another griffon ends up attacking and snatching up Miranda from the deck (who had been asleep). Between Hugh, Kel, and Hoffman, she gets saved although she does briefly go for a swim. Thankfully, she can actually swim.
  3. As for the last griffon? TMO gets fed up with all the rolls for the night. Ilero gets attacked and attacks back by pummeling the griffon. While it only causes 2 points of damage, that 9% chance of knocking the griffon out? Success. Rather than risk letting it wake up later, Hugh kills it. Ilero takes a claw and some feathers while Hugh passes out a few of the talons.
  4. The way I picture this is: since we didn't use the Hand's damage, it must have been from Ilero's bare left hand, so it did 2pts non-lethal damage. I figure he jabbed his fingers straight into the griffon's jugular, which caused it to collapse. - TMO

• We're left with one walking wounded (Penelope) and two decently hurt (Ilero and Miranda). So second watch? Ha! Oh wait, we already did second watch. Please don't give us all a heart attack. Thankfully, nothing eventful happens on third watch.
• As morning comes, Shi remains in mourning, a handful remains hurt, and we are officially in the swamp. What awaits us here? We'll find out next time! Definitely won't be horrendous since we definitely did not already roll for an encounter. No rolls there. Nope.

  1. ...God save the Queen.

Quotes of the Night:

[Master] Jilly did not make dinner
[JohnA] can't even blame her
[Master] it is something that she did buy
[Master] you can blame her for that
[Master] bad carry out
[MarioCS] left tin the car too long
[JohnA] I thought she was gonna ask Qui how he got sick from the rocks too

[Indigo (Lisa)] Come on board Othrithinmagically
[Orthinmadrigal the Amazing (Master)] Orthinmadrigal
[Indigo (Lisa)] This is the mage Orinthalaster
[Orthinmadrigal the Amazing (Master)] Orthinmadrigal the Amazing
[Indigo (Lisa)] You have a really hard name to pronounce

Hoffman (JohnA)] hooooooom
Hoffman (JohnA)] when will we be hooooooom

[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] Sorry, Lisa, Long stuff
Ilero (TMO)] (you sly dog! You got him monologuing!)

[Master] I was so much older then I am younger than that now
Miranda Paige (JohnA)] (i am gonna quote that one day, as Miranda)

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) YOU MOSS-BITTEN BASTARD! SPIT HIM BACK OUT AND COME FIGHT SOMEONE CLOSER TO YOUR SIZE!!
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) I"M TALKING TO YOU, STUPID WANNABE TURTLE!
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) GET YOUR LEATHERY ASS BACK HERE!
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (E) I KNOW you can hear me, pondscum!!
[Kel (MarioCS)] Thats it, Shi, get in it's head!
[Kel (MarioCS)] 70% of the battle is half mental!
[JohnA] son of a small little tadpole
Ilero (TMO)] (having someone talk to them is probably VERY confusing to an animal)

Shurkural (TMO)] (1d20) [1d20=3] 3
[Neith of Inholt (mharm-15549)] [1d20]
[Master] OK
Shurkural (TMO)] I like his roll better
[Master] HAH

---

Session: 20180330c

All of us have to learn how to invent our lives, make them up, imagine them. We need to be taught these skills; we need guides to show us how. Without them, our lives get made up for us by other people. - stolen from BOB stolen from an article.

• Anyways, starting off with another disgruntled individual who is taking his feelings out by rowing very hard: Hoffman! Remember Miranda did almost die by griffons. Sounds like she wasn't quite happy with how things went about, either.
• So roll while we row. Keep rolling. Go on. BOB hasn't said stop yet. Is this a trap? Don't know but keep rolling and rolling and OK. Encounter time!

  1. And yes, OK means stop so stop.

• Now before we get to the encounter, let us address the non-rolled encounter: the tourist barge with none other than Tiberius, Branwyn, ((Spoiler Alert)), and Jon! Hi Jon! Giving a tour? Well that's lovely and we're glad to see you! So anyhow, we'll get to ((Spoiler Alert)) in a minute, but first the actual encounter: Cloud Giantess!

  1. Did you know that cloud giants are loud? So loud they petrify almost everyone? Yeah. Whoops. Let's see if Qui, Foto, and Shi can handle this (until return of Spring and TMO also gives us Ilero, Marisu, Kenna, and Snee).
  2. So what does Ms. Aitheria the Cloud Giantess want? Well there is this castle she wants to move, but only the owner can move it and long story short Branwyn is the ower. Aitheria would like Branwyn to sign over the deed to the castle. Thankfully, you know one way to unpetrify someone? Remove Paralysis!
  3. After they catch Branwyn up (since the petrified cannot hear), she sees no reason not to hand over the castle. The giantess will even return the favor. What favor? Well Qui is very interested in this flying castle, but after some back and forth, they decide to just sign the castle over and have the giantess bring them to Portown.

• We traveled almost 100 miles in 6 days thanks to the giantess and encounter nothing! Wonderful! And now we find ourselves at the docks of Portown (do try to be specific when you ask a giant/ess where to place those "little cups" that float).

  1. Branwyn has an officially reunion, gets to hear the scroll with the magic mouth spell on it, and briefly updated on what they've heard about the Queen taking ships.

• As for the ((Spoiler Alert))? It's Guy! Returned to play Sarengar who decided to sneak onto the barge because why not?

  1. He does tell Branwyn that he still plans to put on the cursed opera and sings one of the songs which Ilero recognizes as a lullbye from his childhood (although we can't count out it being a drow song, but it is certainly Suomi). Huh. Well maybe performing it in The Mist might shield him from bad luck?
  2. The elves acknowledge he sings a bit better than they've heard, but not as good as an elf, and no only that, but he neither speaks Elvish nor cares about Elvish history (and likes being on the water?) so must just be an elfish-looking human. Definitely not an elf. In other words, the half-elf is elf to humans and human to elves. As expected.
  3. We're also introduced to Treble the Otter. No, the wolves aren't fond of her. Because snack-sized deliciousness (or so I assume - never had otter before).
  4. Yes Sarengar is a captain, too, but only captains for others. He's mostly stayed on the water, and hadn't really been many places before meeting Branwyn and Indigo. Actually he first met them when they had a dragon turtle problem where Foriso died. Pondscum turtle.
  5. Oh and Wisewoman Thyme? Her and her son are doing well, says Branwyn. That's good, right?

• So we are now officially in Drillian. Maybe, perhaps, Marisu should wear a disguise? Just in case, you know, civil war and her family being against the queen and all? Yeah. Good idea. Not a good idea initially? Asking Jilly for clothes who doesn't understand the reason. Thankfully Marisu is quite persuasive. She shall now be known as Ara, a servant Jilly found to help out with the cooking and such. Such fun!

  1. During their meal, Branwyn also gets a message from Red who says he will help if asked but he really doesn't want to help them (nor do they want his help). Oh and no, Indigo, he doesn't forgive you for escaping his ownership. Interesting man, that Red.
  2. Sarengar is also officially introduce to Teb who wasn't allowed to talk all day like he was promised earlier. Wait, what promise was that? Hmm...

• They do hear some rumors from the barkeep and are reminded the full moon is in two days and there is a pack of Eustaces roaming about (who apparently volunteered to be turned to help the Queen). TMO summarized the rumors on that page and I'm lazy right now so feel free to find out the rest at that link.
• So this leaves most of us holed up in the inn (everyone was kicked out to make room for Lord Indigo) with a few left to guard the knarr. What awaits us next session? A full moon and werewolves? Hats for the wolves? One way to find out, right? See you Friday!

Quotes of the Night:

[Kel (MarioCS)] Ugh, this is Portown?
[Kel (MarioCS)] ah, so its Poortown?
[Kel (MarioCS)] just missing an O

Ilero (TMO)] T'at lullaby song. Sing put children to bed.
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] Better than many of the other sings I heard in Rivers Bend.

[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] Ah, what a lovely otter. Er, maybe don't let him get near my wolves.
[Kel (MarioCS)] well maybe he otter be leashed?
[Sarengar (Guy)] why would I leash her? she’s not a pet she’s my companion
[Master] wait till you see the otter nonsense of puns coming Guy
[Kel (MarioCS)] you otter tell us that, before we acted. I thought she was a river rat
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] I'll be sure to tell the wolves not to eat her if she is your companion.
[Kel (MarioCS)] good luck, Shi. they atter teach her a lesson!
[Master] either otter
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Get otter here)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (one or the otter)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Otter ridiculous)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (If you otter another pun...)
[Master] you all otter actually explain who you all are
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Guess that's not otter line)
[Master] they have done very nice things with the chat logs and summaries and such
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (And the puns. Otter not forget that)
[Master] and music links
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Cue otter song...if there is such a one)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (Blondie - One way or an otter)
Ilero (TMO)] (it really doesn't otter)
[Master] (Pat Benatar - You otter run)

[Branwyn (Lisa)] (Sarengar would have met Tiberius - just not know about the vampire mother thing)
[Sarengar (Guy)] (( so Branwyn can honestly her mother in law sucks))

[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] did you know that beer helps a new mother produce milk sooner?
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] very good for right after delivery
Shurkural (TMO)] Yep! I knew that. My cousin's had a few brats and that's what her excuse was.
Shurkural (TMO)] We never asked what her excuse was before she had kids.

[Aitheria (Master)] (it is ironic that Qui is up for this encounter too)
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] (priest of Fate, hellloooo)

---

Session: 20180406c

In memory of Sarengar Swiftbreeze:

??? TGR to 28-7-1267 TGR

• The fates can be cruel, but let us start at beginning, as always, yes? And that would be at the inn in Portown where Miranda decides to declare her love for Hoffman and her Goddess Idun. Good morning, everyone!

  1. Kenna loves the eggs for breakfast, Sarengar loves the water, and Tiberius already knows Branwyn loves him. Everyone good for now?
  2. Jennevive has a brief heartfelt moment of saying she's happy for Miranda and Hoffman. They should have a chance to be happy like Shi and Kel should have the same chance. And no, she doesn't hate herself. Only the undead. We all agree the undead deserve unrelenting hate.
  3. Although, speaking of declarations, Indigo does tell Penelope that she makes him happy. He's not going to say goodbye to her because he wants her to keep going with them! He's not going to leave her and that's that, okay? Good.

• Meanwhile, Jon the Sailor? He'd like to join you, Admiral Indigo. He can swim, and row, and carry things. Surely he can be of us to you, sir? Why does he want to come? Well, all he knows is the big city, moving barges, cleaning, and swabbing whereas Admiral Indigo does great things.

  1. Indigo figures why not? We do have the room and another swimmer could be helpful, but call him just Indigo, please, and no need to salute!
  2. Sarengar disagrees with that notion as he believes Indigo deserves the respect. He should get saluted and called sir. But, says Indigo, if he's the Admiral, can't he order everyone to just call him Indigo?
  3. Rather than decide who is right, Jon offers to clean out the hold....oh. Er, are the wolves still there? Yeah, maybe don't go there. Shi points out there is no guarantee they won't see him as a threat. Or a treat. Or both.
  4. Jilly appears and wonders if we're taking the barge to the swamp and letting those people take the knarr? Wait, what people? The tourist?? Indigo rushes out to stop them with Shi following to make sure the wolves don't get wolf-napped. And on that note, it's into the swamp!

• After some slightly painful planning of Current Skiff Configuration (oh you thought we were done? Such the optimist you must be), we officially sail into the swamp. It's not long before we're greeted by a shambling mound. To attack it or to go around and stay out of reach? They move slow and it's on the land so let's try that.

  1. ...except the shambling mound has no fear of water! Well this is news to Branwyn. While the first skiff is fine, the shambling mound finds the second one. Three hold on tight while Jilly floats off. Someone save Jilly! Er, after we kill it, of course.
  2. After a few jaws that tear up flesh, magic missiles, and attacks by Tiberius, the mound dies. Jon isn't much of a sailor so it's actually Tiberius who also saves Jilly. And where did Jennevive go? Oh, er, stuck under the dead mound. Um, you okay Jennevive?
  3. Everyone survived as did the skiff, so let's see what's inside this mound, shall we? While bad for encounters, it's a night of low rolls which is great in this case! We find a scroll, a potion, and a magic item. Branwyn is probably right that the mound ate a mage...
  4. While the potion is currently unknown, the scroll is a mage scroll, Protection From All Traps, and yes, it is a one time use.
  5. As for the magic item? Shi finds out the hard way it's an Arrow of Adhesion! Remove Curse does (temporarily) unstick it. For now, it's wrapped double in cloth and kept in Shi's quiver until they can toss it in the room scroll. Yes, the cloth does act as a barrier so it isn't sticking to anything else.
  6. We did find a glove, too, but it unfortunately crumbles to dust. Oh well!

• We make it through the day and set up camp for the night, the skiffs as barriers to protect the sleepers, and camouflaged just in case. So what awaits us? Cruel fates.

  1. What does the night before a full moon mean? Weregators are about. As well as aligators. It loudly approaches first watch with Miranda, Hoffman, and Sarengar. Unfortunately, Sarengar was once bit by a weregator and...that results in Hoffman and Miranda being attacked by two aligators. Miranda flies off before she dies leaving the aligators to attack others. It...doesn't end well. Sarengar finds out the hard way how much a tail swipe hurts before Hoffman can finish off the natural aligator.
  2. As I said, cruel fates leave Sarengar, the recently returned weregator, consumed by the aligator. Critical hits are not fun when it's not you who rolls it. Rest in peace, Sarengar.

• Surely second watch will go much better? Yes and no. While no one else dies, we do have to fight a young black dragon, and that's...well, it's a dragon, so yeah.

  1. Ilero tries to lure the dragon away from the sleepers, Hugh chases after Ilero yelling at him for being stupid, Kel goes to cover the sleepers, and the battle ends up waking up almost everyone. Almost.
  2. While succeeding to lure the dragon away, Ilero almost gets taken, but Jilly has done a good job of fattening him up. The dragon fails, Ilero tumbles away, and everyone is okay. Tiberius comes out of nowhere to jump on the back of the dragon, Branwyn's plan to smite it is ruined, Howard attempts to look menacing with his dagger, Jennevive is still asleep, Indigo and Kel get a faceful of acid, and eventually the dragon is killed. Success!
  3. Shur manages to get Ilero a little more hide for his eventually armor suit, but there is nothing else of interest with the dragon.
  4. Of interest is Branwyn remembering that this spot is near the place that she was when she fought a black dragon when they last entered The Mist. Yes, that dragon did die, but not before it had babies! Fun!

• So we leave it here, bright and early the next morning, planning for the next day through the swamp. It's going to be a full moon and no one is happy with Ilero and his earlier decision. What awaits us? As always, find out next time!

Quotes of the Night:

[Indigo (Lisa)] (do we need the npcs Bob?)
[Jon the sailor (Master)] (just creating twists)
[Jon the sailor (Master)] (you can always use NPCs to throw to the gators ;) )
[Indigo (Lisa)] (yeah we're really short on plot twists!)
[Carissa] (Maybe enough twists and it'll be a straight forward plot again?)

[Indigo (Lisa)] Unless you don't want to. Skiffs aren't very fancy.
[Penelope (Master)] If you want me I will do it
[Penelope (Master)] I can captain a log for you

[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (what's a half halfling? a quaterling?)
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] (or if the other half is human, a three quarterling?)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (Or do we call them half-and-halfs?)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (when you get to just a smooch of Halfling, youre called a fingerling)
QuiFon Ruminell (JohnA)] (two Halflings make a Ling??)

Brother Fotopoulos (JohnA) shambling mound , pass it on
[Kel (MarioCS)] (Last PErson: Scrambling Crowns??)
[Spring] (rambling brown!)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (flaming clown)

[Kel (MarioCS)] Anor, come boy!
Shi'Nynze (Carissa) glares, "She's a she."
Kel (MarioCS) puzzled
[Kel (MarioCS)] well, that explains a lot!

[Master] and Shi stands up with an arrow in her hand
[Brother Fotopoulos (JohnA)] (in her hand or IN HER HAND?!)

---

Session: 20180413c

• You followed that link towards the end of last week's summary, right? Good because that's where we are picking up: morning comes and Hoffman thinks maybe he should paint his face red to look more fierce. But do Norse paint their face? Does Kel really think Hoffman's face looks scary enough? And are his axes sharp enough?

  1. Side note: Indigo rolls new hit points for his level-up and talk about a good roll!
  2. Qui reminds the group he has a sleep spell where a hour of sleep feels like a full eight.

• So the real question is, what do we do with Sarengar's body? He won't be coming back (as per Guy's wishes).

  1. With no family and his religion unknown, he's given a simple burial in the swamp.
  2. As for Treble, his otter? She takes a liking to Branwyn and will be coming with us for now.
  3. Indigo does remember to grab what items Sarengar had on him including a magic net, cloak, and magic cutlasses.
  4. Shi tries to talk to Treble, who is too shy to talk back, while Teb attempts to talk to Miscibil, one of the cutlasses. Miscibil does not seem to have the ability to talk back.

• In trying to get Miscibil talk, and fail, Tiberius appears with some ducks he hunted. Somehow this results in a conversation on whether or not women can be swords, being reminded that Teb is the only intelligent sword anyone has met to actually know, and being too distracted to notice the arrival of: Jared Duskreaver (known as Guy's new character)!

  1. Jared is a scout sent by Lord Toybin to escort the group back to Jistille. While Hoffman and Kel talk about armor, Branwyn eventually makes her way over to tell her husband to let Jared go.
  2. Branwyn finds out Jared was told stories of Ilero. As he wanted to meet Ilero, he decided to take the mission to escort the group home. They arrived at Portown earlier than expected and he has finally caught up to them. He hands over a note as proof.
  3. Now that that's cleared up, we need to clear up this Ty business. As in, Tiberius didn't know Kel was referring to him when he calls him Ty. He is not fond of "Tie" as a nickname and prefers Tiberius. Well, Kel decides he should be called by his full name, too. Except the group likes Kel so Kel is stuck with Kel and Tiberius gets to be Tiberius. Well then.

• They leave a little later than planned and for that get caught up in a storm. Thankfully, they find shelter, no lightning hits them, and we move on to the next encounter!
• What would that be? A swamp cat! A swamp cat that unfortunately attacks the back skiffs meaning Shi cannot make a new friend. How unfortunate. So who gets attack? Yes, Wu, but who else?

  1. Jared gets the actual, full on attack while Wu prepares to help and Jon attempts to help.
  2. While Jon doesn't hit the cat, he does pull Jared away from it, but not out of claw range.
  3. Hugh, Neith, and Johan are on the skiff nearby, look back to see the attack, and attempt to help out (where is Mercy?). After a few hits from bolts and arrows and swords, the cat realizes its mistake and flees heavily wounded.

• It's time for watches and you know what that means? Yes, if I understood correctly, it seems we're in a safe part of the swamp which means back to conversational encounters! First up?

  1. It's Tiberius, Hugh, and Neith. They talk about swamps, adventures, the new thief, singing, and who is being hunted. In terms of relationships. Branwyn was the mouse, but turned into a dragon. What is Hugh? He's unsure about this philosophical conversation. Until Neith tells him quite plainly that she is the hunter and he is the mouse. Glad that's cleared up!
  2. We follow up with second watch of Indigo, Jared, and Ilero. Indigo asks how Sir Toybin is, we find out that Jared is from Willow Grove (yes this makes me happy), Ilero hears how Toybin was impressed by Ilero standing up to Count Drake, and Ilero asks how his scout group is going. Unfortunately, Jared falls asleep (meaning Guy is avoiding his own lighting storm) before we find out. This leaves Ilero and Indigo to talk, some about the guild, but mostly about Ilero's fate. He does learn the group doesn't talk about it likely because it's a Suomi thing and none of them are Suomi. Or understand why Suomi (legendary) heroes aren't exactly the standard hero fare. As in their fates are usually grizzly and their lives depressing. But at least they're heroes? Right...?
  3. Well after that cheerful conversation, we get to third watch with Kel, Kenna, and Shur. Their conversation is brief and revolves around nuts. You can decide the (hilarious) meaning of it.

• We leave here for the night with watches over and morning greeting us. Maybe not the sun, and hopefully not snakes, but morning all the same. What awaits us next session? As I still can't read the future, we'll find out next time!

Quotes of the Night:

[Master] Lord Branadarus: Damage v SM: Thorn: ((1d8)+3+2) [1d8=2] 7 [MODIFIED (+2)] added to: Jared
[Master] Jared's Current Hit Points: adjusted to 24 (-19) - Moderately Wounded
[Kel (MarioCS)] (wow, that escaled quickly)
[Hugh D'Ambray (mharm-15549)] (And guy's character dies immediately)
Hoffman (JohnA)] (you kill him two weeks in a row and I'll slap you)

Lord Branadarus (Master) punches Kel in the shoulder as he walks past
[Kel (MarioCS)] see, you hit like a Ty nee fly

Ilero (TMO)] (sis boom bah - the sound of an exploding sheep)
[Jared (Guy)] ((that was just baaaad Tmo))
[Kel (MarioCS)] (Ewe thought that one out!)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (then rammed it at us)
[Jared (Guy)] ((you should feel sheepish for those puns))
[Kel (MarioCS)] (holy sheep that was good!)
[Kel (MarioCS)] ( we won’t lamb-ment over though)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (...I got nothing tonight)
[Master] you cannot pull the wool over our eyes Carissa
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (...*mutton tonight?)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (Excellent for shear entertainment value)
[Kel (MarioCS)] (one more to goat for the gold)
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (No suffolking over these)
[Master] do not black out stay with the group
[Master] and who wants that final roll for the afternoon encounter?
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (I'd be a cheviot to roll again)
[Master] it comes in like a lamb but leaves like a ......

[Kel (MarioCS)] (wow that cat is smart. She went to Jared)

[Kel (MarioCS)] (E) looks at Shi
[Kel (MarioCS)] (e) in Elvish
Ilero (TMO)] (he looks in Elvish?)

[Kel (MarioCS)] Shur, you ok? want a bag of nuts?
[Kel (MarioCS)] you can hold mine
[Kel (MarioCS)] or Kenna's actually
[Shurkural]] (TMO) waves a hand. "No... no, I'm good..."
[Kel (MarioCS)] sorry, miss Kenna, I’m offering your nuts around to everyone
[Kel (MarioCS)] that’s not for me to do
[Kenna Westfoot (Spring)] no that is fine, my offer was for all
Shurkural (TMO)] Well, if you don't have any of your own, all you can do is offer someone else's, right?

---

Session: 20180420c

We're at the end of an Era. The long journey from Dryads Lair to Cornelia to Jistille has come to an end. From here we start For the Love of Mist Era beginning with the story arc Wedding Crashers. Specifically, we start at the Breakfast Meeting. But, of course, before we switch over, let's finish up this trip, shall we?

• The evening starts with the morning preparations for travel (protecting spell books, figuring out skiff configuration, the usual). Soon enough it's preparations for the approaching barrier of The Mist. Branwyn warns of sickness and a lacking sun. Surely that won't be a real problem, right? Yeah...

  1. Kenna, Snee, and Shi do not like The Mist and won't recover for 11 days (on the 14th as it is currently the 2nd).
  2. Ithil and Galad are a little woozy, but snap out of it in a day. Anor will feel ill for 5 days.
  3. Indigo, Branwyn, Tiberius, Treble, Fete, Penelope, Wu, Jennevive, Howard, Tebhoundrin (okay, so technically doesn't get sick but...), Miranda, Hoffman, Mercy, Eddie, and maybe Jared are all fine and/or will recover within a day or two (or three for Fete).
  4. Jon, Johan, Hugh, are not used to the mist, but are not priests, and will take 6 days to recover.
  5. While Kel did make his CON check, as a delicate elf, he won't quite acclimate for 6 days.
  6. Neith, Qui, and Foto make their CON check, but are priests, and will only be out for 6 days. (Or is it just Neith?)
  7. Double check that this is correct if you are going to use this to track your character.
  8. And no, there is absolutely nothing but time to help them get over The Mist Sickness. Please see above link for information on penalties, healing, spells, and all that jazz.

• Notes for The Mist: healthy cooking spell would work for healing in the Mist, orison works for healing, unknown if goodberries would work, and it does not enter homes but might act like a vampire and needs to be invited inside.
• We travel through the day without issue which means evening watches are those who aren't sick! Indigo and Penelope briefly discuss Mercy, Miranda sees the big area they'll have to protect, and the spread out just in time to hear the unsuccessful surprise Bullywug attack.

  1. Penelope goes to wake up Tiberius. By trying to stab him with her dagger. That...works? At least she does miss hitting him. Miranda freezes some, Indigo slices others, Tiberius hits some and misses others, and eventually the bullywugs are dead with minimal issues.
  2. According to Indigo, bullywugs do not taste good. Not that most the crew has appetite right now...

• The rest of the night is uneventful with morning bringing a brief conversation with Teb, some leadership questioning, and still some very sick, unhappy individuals. What will bring them comfort? Maybe not food, but a hot bath and a good bed? Some inspired chanting? Good thing we're so close to Jistille!
• A sudden appearance by Captain Tikmok is a good sign, right? Yes, we're definitely close. So close Orchard house is, well, right around the corner! Who gets which bed now?
• Now that that's settled, Jennevive and Jilly take their leave as the rest settle in for the night, but say they'll see the group at the keep in the morning. Widow Washburn greets the group, meets the new people, and feeds Indigo. The wolves are in the stables. The elves are real. Kenna is not Indigo's girlfriend.

  1. As the official end, Bonus EXP for everyone! Yay! New Era name is revealed, but not the next story arc. Yet. But we'll bring the summary to and end here (partially due to current time constraints). What happens next? You'll have to read on the new summary page to find out!

Quotes of the Night:

[Master] if you do get a normal average of encounters you should be back home in Jistille tonight
[Lisa] but we are above average!
[Carissa] Overachievers!
[JohnA] certainly not normal
[Guy] this group and normal are not to be used together lol
[Spring] "normal" is a dryer setting

[Master] Lord Branadarus: Attack: Thorn: ((12-(d20+2))+2) [1d20=1] 11 [MODIFIED (+2)]. MISSES Bullywug #40 (AC FINAL: 6).
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] BLINKS
Lord Branadarus (Master) looks at his sword
Miranda Paige (JohnAA)] performance issues?
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] I am not sure what happened
[Lord Branadarus (Master)] maybe this Mist is more serious than I thought
[Shi'Nynze (Carissa)] (It made you Mist)

[Indigo (Lisa)] Suns are just moons backwards
[Indigo (Lisa)] Or moons are suns backwards?

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