Planning the search
Subject Planning the search
The party starts to make a bit more of a permanent camp. A bit more care is taken with the placement of the tents and the latrine, and a place with a little break from the mist is found. It is still not very comfortable, but livable. By dinner time everything is in it's place and the party settles in for dinner and a planning session.
Ragnar and Allistair confirm that they actually have very little idea of what this "Gateway" will look like. "My best guess" Allistair says "is that it will not appear as a natural type thing. I mean some type of wooden or stone door with hinges and such. Most magical portals glow, and that is the good news. It will probably be very obvious when we find it. The bad news is that portals tend to be only two dimensional. What I mean by that, is that you could be a foot away and if you were looking at the "side" of the portal, you would never see it."
Ragnar confirms what Allistair has said. "We also have several other advantages. First, we are here a day early. We can make a sweep of the area tomorrow and see what the area looks like with out the portal. That will make it much easier for us to tell that an area has changed. I propose the we divide the area up and each one of us do a search of their area, just to get an idea of the terrain."
"Our second advantage is that we have the whole week to find it. We have several members of the party who can see as well in the dark as during the day. We could have search teams out around the clock. Our third advantage is time based as well. I am sure that Allistair can use his magical talents to help our search. I also think that Brother Harp and I may be able to ask for some grace from our god in finding this portal. Even friend Salix may be able to help by communing with the creatures of the area. Surely they would take notice of something showing up in their home and might be willing to guide us to it."
Ragnar looks to Harp and the others to see what they have to say.
OODM: Role play please
From: Randy
Subject Planning the search
Ranthir has been pretty quiet since the landshark. He keeps to himself and is often seen writing in a leather bound book in the evenings. As Ragnar and Allistair give their rundown of the situation he is thinking about Mira and how she would love to hear about the waterfall. As he pictures the waterfall he is struck with a thought and speaks up.
"Sorry for interrupting but I have a thought on where the gateway might be. Or at least where I would put it given the features of this particular area. Could the gateway be at the mouth of the waterfall? Or even behind it? I think that is an area where we might want to concentrate some special attention."
From: Josh
Subject Magic question
OOC: Mark, would detect magic help find the portal? I mean, does Kal know if it would?
From: Mark
Subject Magic Question
I will do a spell craft check. DC15
From: Mark
Subjec: Magic Question
Would detect magic pick up the gate?
DC15
Allistair 11+10=21, success
Kal 1+10=11, fail
Harp 3+0+3, fail
Ragnar 5+7=12, fail
Salix 19+10=29, success
IC: As the discussion progresses Kal mentions the Detect Magic cantrip he knows. "I am not sure if this cantrip would be of any use to us."
Allistair thinks for a momment and nods. "It might be of some use. The biggest two draw backs are range and duration. I can only detect magic up to 60 feet away and the cantrip only last for 5 minutes. However, I can memorize several of those cantrips in a day. If need be I can sacrifice higher level spells to make room for more of those Cantrips."
Salix nods. "The grace of Obad-Hai is similar."
From: Jason
Subject Magic Question
Personally I will probably have Ragnar praying for some detection type spells anyway; I would imagine that detect magic would certainly show something, but whether or not it would be useful would depend on the circumstances.
I have to change computers now but I'll write up a turn soon.
From: Jason
Subject Planning the Search
ooc Would locate object be useful? Or, more specifically, does Ragnar know if it would not be useful? I'm specifically thinking of this sentence in the description: "You can search for general items, in which case you locate the nearest one of its kind if more than one is within range." Anyways, let me know if Ragnar has some insight that says it won't be needed, and I'll update my spell list. /ooc
Ragnar is deeply impressed by the sight of the river shooting out of solid rock. What an awesome thing! He knew that his people avoided areas with underground rivers, as over time they could deform the rock and make an area unstable. Undoubtedly this river was even now eating away at the seemingly immovable cliff. Hundreds of years ago the hole in the cliff's face must have been significantly smaller. In a thousand years, the place might not even be recognizable. Little surprise that his people sought out the stability and permanency of the mountain halls!
And yet, wasn't that why he had left them? Surrounded by tradition and kin that sheltered them as surely as the stone halls, somehow they could not realize that its permanency was just as much an illusion. It was the humans that understood this best. Each for his own reason, sometimes beneficent, sometimes repulsive, moved so much during their short lives that, like the river above, they were the ones that truly shaped the face of the land. For all the closer to the dwarves he'd lived his entire childhood, hadn't it been a human who saved him and his mother? That, above all else, was why he was here this day -- to shape the world as Heironeous would have it shaped.
From: Kevin
Subject Planning the search
Harp is also awed by the sights that surround him. He had been raised most of his life within the confines of the Chapter House, and so was unfamiliar with the majesty he was currently seeing. It truly made the efforts of man look small and insignificant. With a smile, he says to Salix "Now I can see the true power of the way you follow.This is trully a wonderous place."
Listening to the discussions Harp will mention that he has the ability to ask simple yes/no questions to Hieronious (such as Is the portal to the north, is the portal behind the waterfall, etc.). He will mention that this might help cut down their search area. He will make sure to mention that these requests are not always answered, but that between Harp and Ragnar, they could probably narrow it area down some.
From: Mark
Subject Planning the search
Come on guys work this out. This is a major part of the adventure. I need a plan that I can lay over the map I have and work out the search rolls etc.
The planning continues
Subject Planning
Mund challenges Surin to a game of knife-throwing.
From: Kevin
Subject Planning
'I agree Brother Ragnar. Ranthir, if you would coordinate search teams tomorrow, I would appreciate it. Then the following day, those of us with magical abilities can try to narrow our search areas down as best we can. Salix, I am sure you will have already asked Noctis to notify you of anything strange, but if you not mind talking with a few of the more intelligent animals about helping us out, I would appreciate that as well.
I would like to try to determin if the portal is around or behind the waterfall without actually climbing though it. Maybe Brother Ragnar and I can work on that the day after tomorrow.
Does any one else have any suggestions?"
From: Jason
Subject Planning the search
Ok here come my ideas. So far, the most difficult part to search will be in that tunnel the water is coming out of. So if possible, we will want to avoid searching it. My idea is to use a locate object spell from the point nearest the tunnel I can get and see if I feel anything; locate object has a nice range for a spell, 600 feet for Ragnar. That means that if the spell actually works, he will probably be able to feel if the portal is near the entrance, but if its farther back, no such luck. Another option is for Harp or Ragnar (or both) to use an augury spell to ask if going into the tunnel is a good idea.
If its necessary to get in there, it shouldn't be too hard for one of us to go in and search. Allistair can cast fly on someone to get them up there, that gives them 5 minutes. After that, Ragnar has a water walk spell that would allow them to spend 50 minutes walking on the river and exploring whatever is back there. The harder part would be getting down; Allistair might be able to feather fall them so they can jump, but its a pretty small range. If not, he might have to fly up there to cast fly on them again. The final option is for Salix to change into something that flies (and can see in the dark) and check it out himself. Problem there is its probably very damp and loud in the tunnel, which owls and bats would not enjoy.
As far as searching the outdoor terrain, I think that the easiest and quickest way is for Salix to fly over everything nearby. The problem is that in the forested areas, the portal might not be visible from above. (And seeing how Mark just said this would be an important part of the quest, I think we can count on it not being that easy!) So we'll have to set up a grunt-work search too.
From: Kevin
Subjec: Planning the search
OOC: Mark, I am going to agree with Jason that a basic map of the immediate area would be nice in order to set a search plan. Nothing beyond what we can see, but I am not good at visualizing where we are. The charactes would be able to tell the basic layout of the area.
Jason, the plan sounds pretty good. I would like to see what the others think, but we do not want to take too much time planning the initial search phase. The other problem with flying is that the portal has no thickness, so you would probably fly right over it during the day. At night, you might see it glow, but daylight is probably out for aerial surveying.
An overflight might help give us a good basis for the map we want Mark to give us.
Mund offers to help
Subject Turn
I plan on getting a map of the area out to you folks today, probably early afternoon.
From: Porter
Subject Turn
Mund's eyes glaze over at all this magick talk. He offers to spend a half-hour to an hour exploring the immediate surroundings with Surin. He'll come back and give everybody the layout of the immediate surroundings, if that's OK with everybody.
The search is on
Subject Turn
Sorry, I tride to make a map that I was happy with yesterday and nothing worthwhile came from it.
I will just do a description of the area in the turn I am going to write in the next hour.
From: Mark
Subject The search is on
With Mund's help the party quickly finds the driest place around to make camp. It is not saying much. The air itself is saturated with mist from the waterfall, and the moisture seems to cling to everything. What was invigorating in the late day sun becomes uncomfortable in the cooling night air. The evening meal is spent discussing who will be involved in the search and how the search will be run. It seems that Salix, Allistair and Ragnar will be the major players in the search with Kal and Harp supporting them. After the mention of a spell that might help them locate the portal, Allistair determines that he does not know enough about the portal for the spell to work. Setting a standard watch the party makes an early night of it.
The next morning is a dreary as the night before was. There is no sun to burn off the chill and the moisture seems to get into everything. It had been decided to spend this day in a visual overview of the area, so that they might have an idea if something changed once the portal shows up. Salix and Noctis are the central part of this plan. At mid-morning Salix brings out his companion and sets him on the ground in front of him. He studies the owl for a minute and then sits down next to him. He enters a state of meditation and suddenly there are two owls sitting on the ground. One of them turns to the other, squawks at him and they both take wing. Salix had informed the others that he would be gone for several hours so the rest continue on with their plan.
With their slower speed, Ragnar and Surin have been assigned the area closest to the camp. Harp, Kal, Ran and Mund each head in their respective directions. Allistair, having spent the morning memorizing only the flying spell, takes off from camp and goes to inspect the waterfall and the tunnel the water exits the mountain from. None of them expect to find anything today, since it is still a day before the portal is supposed to be there. However, they are all trying to get a sense of the surrounding area and places that a portal might show up and still be hidden just by the terrain. It is an exhausting day, but by the end, when all the reports have been made, the party has a sense of accomplishment. They are early, they have a good sense of the surrounding land and several party members whose skills and abilities should make finding the portal possible.
The next day dawns as Grey as the one before, but there is a sense of excitement in the party. They eat breakfast and move out on their search, each one wanting to be the person that finds the portal. Not that any of them know what the portal looks like, but they are all sure that they will know it when they see it. The search is fairly close to what they had done the day before with Salix and Noctis taking wing for about 5 hours each day, Allistair using his fly spell to get some height advantage. Kal, Ragnar and Harp all use what ever spells or prayers that they have to try and find the portal, using the detect magic cantrip and orison. Unfortunately nothing was found.
The second day followed much the same as the first: up early, quick to search, disappointment at days end. However on the third day, when Noctis and Salix wing back into camp, the druid quickly returns to his natural shape and is almost giddy with news. "We found it, or at least we think Noctis found it. It is on the plateau on top of this cliff, hidden in a copse of trees. We can show you when we get up there." Looking around at the rest of the party, Salix all of a sudden realizes how accustomed to flying he has become. "Oh, right, getting up there might be a small problem."
OODM: Ok, the portal has probably been found. Now what?
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
A whole day to work, and nothing to show for it. We are sitting around, with baited breath, waiting for a turn, and what do we get???
Complaining -- I am not happy with my map. What a crock. You were sitting around watching Sally Jesse or Judge Judy, or, heaven forbid, Oprah. Now get to work.
Oh, I can make the game Saturday.
From: Kevin
Subject The search is on
How high and how steep is the cliff separating us from the portal?
Would someone with some ranks in climb be able to climb up if there are not enough Fly spells available?
Derek, how many fly spells can you do in 1 day?
Anyone want to climb?
From: Jason
Subject The search is on
I'm fairly certain that he would not be able to cast enough fly spells to get us all up in one day, as there are 8 of us that need to get up. Obviously Salix will have no problem getting himself up. There are, however, other methods of flying available to the rest of us.
Celestial Hippogriff:
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a hippogriff is up to 300 pounds; a medium load, 301--600 pounds; and a heavy load, 601--900 pounds.
To ride one as a mount requires a trained hippogriff, but I would guess he could carry stuff without training? The real problem is, he sticks around for 5 rounds, and I don't know if that's enough to fly up to the top of the cliff. Ragnar could always summon a second one on the fourth round I suppose. We would need to know how high it is before we start guessing.
Other spells that would be useful include levitate, spider climb, reduce, and bull's strength if someone has to climb. Hopefully we can avoid that. Unfortunately, the only one of those available to Ragnar is bull's strength, the least useful.
From: Josh
Subject The search is on
Depending on how tall the thing is, Kal can probably set up some system with ropes and pullies to make it easier for some people to get up.
Kal can also cast bull's strength.
From: Derek
Subject The search is on
Allistair considers how he might help everyone get to the top of the mesa. "I am limited by how much I can magically fly and by what I can normally carry. Using some of my other magical abilities, I think I can stretch it out a bit more. I have the magical ability to both enlarge and reduce people. If I were to reduce in size several of us and then increase the size of the strongest of us, he should be able to carry us with ease. Then I would simply use a fly spell on the enlarged person, and he could fly us to the top. The only dangerous part is that we must be able to get to the top before the spells effects end."
From: Kevin
Subject plans
OOC: Derek, not a bad idea. Mund could probably climb himself if he is uncomfortable letting his brother shrink him. Harp is the strongest, so he could cast Bulls Strength on himself, we could shrink most of the others, Harp could fly up, drop them off. If iit takes a couple of trips, I think we can still work this out.
Lets see how everyone else responds (some of the character may not like the idea) and then we can work out how many of what spells/prayers we may need.
From: Mark
Subject plans
It is pretty much a shear face several hundred feet high and at least 1/2 mile across.\
Some one with climb, if they take 20, should be able to get up to the top of the cliff.
Actually I am watching the Firefly TV series before I go out to see Serentiy with the Hatrack crew coming to town this weekend.
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
OOC: Mark, my questions
1) fly spell - book indicates 60 flying, 40 with load. 1/2 speed when rising. So, loaded going up 20' per round. 10 rounds in a turn (minute). So. 200' up in a minute when loaded. Right???
2) Enlarge Person and Bulls Strenght - Enlarge adds +2 to strength, Bulls add +4 - different spells, will the bonus stack?
3) Reduce Person - spells states that it will reduce whatever you are carrying. If you are sitting on your horse, is he reduced as well?
From: Derek
Subject Questions
OOC: Only if you are carrying your horse!
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
Allistair might not be able to, but Harp probably could at least lift his light riding horse, especially if he had Bulls Strength going.
From: Jason
Subject Questions
If you can fly up 200 feet per minute for 5 minutes, you probably shouldn't have a problem getting up a cliff "several hundred feet high".
While Ragnar doesn't really share the traditional dwarven mistrust of arcane magic, he certainly will understand if Mund and others want to get up under their own power. If Kal has mentioned his pulleys and skill with ropes, he will suggest that maybe Kal could be flown to the top to set up his ropes to help the rest of the party climb. Will we need our horses? Would reduce even work on our horses? If so it might be worth it to fly them up, but if the portal isn't too far away, Ragnar certainly won't complain about leaving them behind for awhile. Of course, he can carry a medium load without slowing down :)
At any rate, as spiritual advisor Ragnar doesn't have much to say, but if we need some people to climb the cliff he will volunteer. And he'll pray for stone shape just for fun while he's at it.
"Ragnar was here"
From: Mark
Subject Questions
1: right
2: No the horse is a seperate creature. They are talking gear.
The horses will be a problem.
Getting to the top
Subject Getting to the top
You answered #1 and #3, but forgot #2 - strength stacking from different spells.
One is a divine spell, the other arcane, and they are for different reasons. I would think they stack, but I will defer to the DM.
From: Porter
Subject Getting to the top
"Unless you guys can figgur out a way to get our horses up there, I reckon it would be simpler to just have me climb up there -- I'm a pretty good climber, iffin I say so myself -- and then haul the rest of you up with a rope."
"If it will make you feel better, you can macgick me me up to make it easier to climb. Next, send up Harp, either climbing or with magick. Between the two of us, it will be an easy task for us to haul all of y'all up."
"Heck, if we are magicked up, w might even be able to haul up the horses, if we want to."
OOC: Mund has 8 ranks in climb, giving him a +11 in climb.
Also, could you cast the fly spell on a mount, allowing it to cary the rider (or two) with all his gear up to the top?
From: Mark
Subject Getting to the top
I am going to make a ruling on this.
Allistair would know from his training that horses would go wild while under the affect of a fly spell. They just would not under stand the idea of "up" like that. All they would see would be the empty space around them.
From: Porter
Subject Getting to the top
OOC: That would have been funny if they had freaked out halfway up the cliff.
From: Kevin
Subject Getting to the top
OOC: Basically, we have to picket the horses with full feed bags where they are and leave them to the mercy of the wild.
Or carve them up for the meat.
Harp likes horse.
From: Josh
Subject Getting to the top
Can't Salix pull some druid magic and make them understand that they should just hang out for a few days?
From: Mark
Subject Getting to the top
Ok I have done my research on the strenght question and have my answer.
The two effects would stack. The Bull's Strength spell add a +4 enhancment bonus and the enlarge just increases the size of the target, with the effect of another +2. Since the +2 is not called an enhancement bonus I will allow them to stack.
From: Randy
Subject Getting to the top
Checking in. I don't really have anything to add right now. Sorry I haven't been contributing much lately. I still want to be a part of this. I have just been really busy lately.
From: Porter
Subject Getting to the top
OOC: When raging, Mund becomes the strongest member of the party. It doesn't last that long, though, and then he is weakened.
From: Derek
Subject Getting to the top
OOC: I don't think I want to entrust my life to someone pulling me up on a rope --- while enraged. ;)
From: Porter
Subject Getting to the top
OOC: Just think of him like the gunfighter in Cat Balou -- he gets smarter and more careful when he's enraged.
From: Kevin
Subject Getting to the top
Harp listens to Salix's report, and goes with him (and anyone else who wants to tag along) to the best point they can to get an idea of what they have to over come. Once he sees the cliff, he will suggest that they all head back to camp to discuss.
Once they get back, Harp will ask if anyone has experience in climbing cliffs like this. When Mund responds, Harp is not surprised. Mund, being their guide, would of course be experienced in climbing. However, none of the rest of the group seems overly excited about the prospect of a 150'-200' climb up a cliff wall, in the mist, with their gear. Mund suggests he climb up and then rig some type of rope system to help haul the rest up, but then is silenced when Harp mentions that the longest length they have is 50' at a time, and it would still be very hard and time consuming.
Harp asks Allistair if he had any spells he could use to assist them. Allistair thinks for a while, then responds that he is able to use his flying spell on both himself and others, but only has a limited nubmer of times he can use the spell in a given day, and that number of times is less than their group number. He also goes through the limitations of the person who is under the influence of such an enchantment. Harp mentions that he is able to ask Heironious' favor to allow him to increase his strenght for a short time, and that if he did that, he might be able to carry one or two of the companions if he were to be under the influence of the spell. A light goes off in Allistairs mind - he tells Harp that one of his most basic spells is the ability to reduce or enlarge a person in size and weight. Maybe they could use a combination of these spells to allow Harp to carry all of them at once.
Harp looks a bit dubious - carry 7 people at once? How could he do that? Allistair and Salix both laugh at Harp's reponse. Salix claps his friend on the shoulder -"Harp, like you though I do, I do not relish the thought of you carrying me any more than you do. I will ask the favor of Obad-Hai and fly myself up, just as I did when I found the portal.
Harp looks confused, and then with an emberrassed grin, remembers Salix's recent changing of shape. And of course, Allistair could use his spell to take himself up the cliff. He tells Allistair to se eif he can work out a way to get Harp and the other 5 members up in one trip. Then Harp remembers - how do they get the horses up the cliff? He will mention this problem to the group, but will have in the back of his head asking Salix to see if he can talk to the horses telling them to forage for them selves in the area as best then can for the next week.
Harp will also ask the other members of thier feelings about possibly being reduced in size (even if only for a short while) and about being carried up the cliff.
OOC:Guys, here is my thought. We spend the day getting ready. Allistair will cast 4 reduce persons on the larger characters (Ran, Mund, Kal, Ragnar). Surin is already small in size. If you carry all your stuff with you, it reduces in size as well. Harp will cast Bulls strength on himself, and Allistair will cast enlarge person on Harp. Harp now has a 24 strength for about 5 minutes and is the next larger size so he should have plenty of space for you guys to hop on. Harp can fly 200' up/minute - so we have plenty of time to get to the top. I do not see how we can get the horses safely up the cliff. If you have suggestions, I am open to hearing them. This gets us up there pretty quickly, under control, with minimal or no chance of failing a role.
Let me know.
Planning the climb
Subject The search
(OOC - Mark - If Salix took the shape of an eagle and someone cast "Bull's Strength" on him, could he ferry any of the party up the cliff, (even if only Surin?) reducing the number of people Harp or Mund would need to ferry up? If this is feasible, Salix will suggest this to Harp).
Is Salix the only person carrying a rope? If there are more than one 50 ft length, can't they be tied together? If so, Salix will also suggest that he carry a rope up with himself, which he (or someone he ferries) can tie off to assist Harp or Mund in their climb.
In response to Harp's question about the horses, Salix will gather then horses, pray for "Speak with animals" and will tell them what is happening, and ask them to stick together and stay in the area until we return. To Harp he will say, "That is the best I can do. Horses are creatures of familiarity and habit. They will be anxious when we are gone and might be easily spooked. I believe they will stay in this area as long as they can, hopefully for the whole week, but I am unsure they have the capacity to remember such instructions for much longer than that, if even that long." (Mark, correct this if necessary.)
From: Randy
Subject The climb
Ranthir agrees to the plan but adds that perhaps Salix could lower down some of the ropes to assist in case something goes wrong with any of the spells as they near the top of the cliff.
From: Porter
Subject Climb
Mund has 50 ft. silk rope
From: Jason
Subject The Climb
Ragnar also has 50 ft of silk rope. The problem is, even if everyone has 50 ft of rope and we tie it all together, that's less than 400 feet. I get the impression that the cliff is taller than that.
It still might be useful to have rope near the top to make the last bit easier however, so if someone wants to figure that out Ragnar will pull out his rope.
From: Porter
Subject The climb
Mund thinks that's a great idea, and pulls out his rope as well.
From: Mark
Subject The climb
There is a total of 350 feet of rope in the party.
Mund has a climbers kit and Kal has some pulleys, but if I remember my physics about pulleys right, each pully you have doubles the amount of rope you need to get the advantage.
I would like some one to go through and figure out how many Reduce spells Allistair can cast in one day. Also who all can cast bulls strenght and how many flys Allistair can cast in one day.
Then go through the character sheets and figure up the weight of all characters and what they carry. If you guys can show me that this will work, then I will write it up that way. If I have to go through and do it I might miss something or add something in you do not want added and it might not go as planned.
From: Karl
Subject The climb
Can you tell me how much weight an eagle can carry, with and without Bull's Strength cast upon it?
From: Kevin
Subject The climb
OOC: Mark keep in mind the weight chart for the character is for a medium creature. A large creature can carry 2x that amont shown, so Harp should be able to carry 1400 lbs if he is Large w/ a 24 strength.
Guys, Harp don't want to climb. He want to fly.
Derek, assume that Salix will take care of himself, do you think Allistair can do this?
From: Porter
Subject The climb
Harp is not large. He is medium.
From: Mark
Subject The climb
An eagle has a base STR of 10. Bulls STR would add 4 for a total of 14. However it is a small creature so it's loads are 75% of medium.
So a normal eagle heavy load it 75lbs and with Bulls STR it is 131lbs
From: Mark
Subject The climb
However if the enlarge spell is used on him then he is a large creature and follows the weight rules, as would Mund.
With a Bull's STR and an enlarge spell Mund can carry 1040lbs of gear/people and Harp can carry 1400lbs.
Now thier own gear doubles in weight when they are enlarged
From: Porter
Subjec: The climb
This looks like the way to go. Let's build some sort of harness thing for everybody so that the enlarged/strengthened Harp can fly most of the people up to the top. Can anybody else besides Mund, Allistair, and Salix get to the top on their own?
From: Karl
Subject The climb
So Salix, in eagle form with Bulls STR would be able to carry Surin (at 35 lbs) and an additional 70-90 lbs of equipment no problem. It looks like he might be able to carry Kal on a second trip provided it's just Kal with no armor, weapons, or equipment. (Though Salix would understand if Kal objected since there's only a pound or so leeway).
Salix will suggest this as well as that he would be willing to ferry equipment for as many trips as he can.
From: Jason
Subject The climb
Something to keep in mind: we may be able to cast as many Bull's strength's as we want, but we're pretty limited as far as other spells go. Allistair, from what i can tell, can cast 5 reduces/enlarges in a day and 3 flys. As far as I know, Salix can stay shapeshifted all day if he wants. Enlarge lasts 1 minute per level, ie 5 minutes.
Important weights: Weight + load
Ragnar = 140 + 103 = 243
Allistair = 160 + 20 =180
Harp = 300 + 83 = 383
Kal = 130 + 39 = 169
Mund = 190 + 50 = 240
Ran = 142 + 51 = 193
Surin = 35 + 24 = 59
Now we've seen that an eagle can carry something like 100 pounds when he has bull's strength, so Surin and his gear goes up with Salix, costing no spells.
So, keeping track of Allistair's spells
Harp gets enlarged (1 enlarge)
Harp gets Bull's strength
Harp gets fly (1 enlarge, 1 fly): Can carry 1400 lbs.
Mund gives his gear to Ragnar, resulting in 153 load (his max for medium
encumbrance) and 293 total weight.
Ragnar gets reduced (2 en/re, 1 fly) resulting in 293/8 = 37
Salix flies Ragnar to the top
Harp gives his gear to Mund (before getting enlarged)
Harp picks up Allistair, Mund, Kal, Ran for a total of
180+273+169+193 = 815 lbs, assuming Mund agrees. If not, Ran and Kal take
Harp's gear and Mund climbs up on his own.
Results: Allistair casts 1 enlarge, 1 reduce, 1 fly spell
(Someone) casts 2 Bull's Strength spells
Salix flies up with Surin followed by reduced Ragnar
Harp flies up carrying 4 other members, for a total of 8 party members and all their carried gear.
If anyone has a bunch of gear that is not included in your load because its on your horse, but you'll need it, let us know. Ragnar can carry another 77 lbs. and Harp can carry almost 600. Heck he could fly up a couple of reduced packhorses, if they wouldn't panic.
Anyone see anything I missed?
From: Porter
Subject The climb
Good job.
Mund would rather climb up on his own (mostly a pride thing -- he doens't want to be carried like a baby), but could probably be persuaded if anybody had a good reason why he shouldn't
From: Mark
Subject The clinmb
Just remember that weight of reduced gear is halved while weight of reduced person is 1/8. Do not ask me to justify this. So you can not add the weight of the person and the weight of the gear and divide by 8.
I get this from the Players hand book where it talks about weight of armor and weapons.
Sorry.
However you are getting close.
ONe thing to remember for Allistair is that he can sacrifice a second level spell slot to memorize a 1st level spell.
From: Mark
Subject The climb
Salix can only do the eagle thing for 5 hours per day at this level.
Bulls STR is also a clerical spell. Harp and Ragnar can both cast several of them a day.
From: Derek
Subject The climb
A couple of things to add. Mark pointed out that I can fill my 2nd level spell slots with a 1st level spell. That gives me 4 additional enlarge/reduce spells. I also have a ring of spell storing that lets me store 3 1st level spells. That makes for a total of 12 possible enlarge/reduce and 3 fly spells. If it looks like time might be a factor, I should have enough memorized to be able to re-cast everything half-way up.
Also, we can carry as much of Harp's gear as possible, so that it will not increase in weight when he's enlarged.
Also, we have a few days, so we don't have to do all this at once. If Harp can't carry everyone up, we could have Harp carry half the people up, and Mund carry the other half. We could split it between two or three days if I don't have enough spells to do it all at once.
From: Porter
Subject The climb
If asked to, Mund is willing to fly up and carry others, but he won't suggest it on his own.
From: Karl
Subject The climb
Salix *could* ferry almost everyone up one at a time if they were reduced, no? He could at least do everyone except Mund and Harp, who should be able to carry nearly all the gear up between them, right?
From: Mark
Subject The Climb
IF they were reduced and their armor taken by someone else.
Also I will have to check to see if Salix has seen any bird that is larger than an eagle that can fly. A Medium bird with a STR of 10 can carry 25 lbs more.
From: Mark
Subject The climb
Actually your ring of spell storing only hold 3 spell levels, so it can hold 3 reduce/enlarge or 1 fly.
You do have a scroll with fly on it.
From: Jason
Subject The climb
Ok, I didn't realize that, but actually it doesn't make a huge difference. Ragnar was 140 + 153 -> 37, but now its 140 + 153 -> 18 + 76 = 94, which Salix can still carry. From what I can see we shouldn't need a long time or a lot of effort to get up, unless we wanted to get all the gear on the horses up. In fact, the only spell we're missing right now is the enlarge spell or we could do it tonight. Personally Ragnar would rather be through the portal as soon as possible in case it takes some time on the other side to do whatever it is we need to do.
I also noticed after I'd added up all those numbers that Ragnar doesn't even need to be reduced, really. Harp has enough muscle left over for the 293 lbs. Ragnar would add. That would save us a first level reduce, and also a Bull's strength because Salix wouldn't need it to carry just Surin. That would leave us only needing 1 enlarge, 1 strength, and 1 fly to get all of us up the cliff.
Yes, in case you were wondering, I do only buy store brand groceries and walk to school in the rain to save the $1.50 bus fare.
From: Porter
Subject The climb
And one rules lawer. :p
From: Kevin
Subject The climb
Harp, as leader of the group, listens to the various options available to them. It seems that there are multiple ways to get to the top -the question is how simple or complex do they want it to be. He will work with Allistair (who is obviously much brighter than Harp) on what number of what spells they will need.
OOC: I am going to suggest that Surin ride along with Salix, and that Harp carry everyone else, except Allistair. An enlarged Bull strengthed Harp can carry about everything we need, and if we need to make a second trip, Allistair can keep 1 fly in reserve. We will need 1 fly, 1 enlarge, 2 Bull strenght, 4 reduce.
Plan - Harp strips, gives his items to the others to distribute among themselves.
Salix talks to the horses asks them to stay in the area.
Allistair Enlarges Harp, at the same time Harp casts Bulls Strength on himself.
Salix turns into an eagle, Ragnar casts Bulls strength on him, Surin climbs on and flys up.
Allistair casts Reduce Person on Ran, Kal, Mund, and Ragnar. They climb on. Allistair casts Fly on Harp, Harp flys everyone up the cliff and drops them off. If there is additional gear, Harp can fly back down to get it.
Guys, any obvious errors in this plan. It is not the simplest or a thing of beauty, but does it have any fatal flaws a DM can exploit?
From: Porter
Subject The climb
Mund will resist being reduced and being carried. He'd much rather just climb up on his own.
From: Josh
Subject The climb
It doesn't look like we'll need it, but if we need to we can spend a
day, have Kal learn reduce pesron, and then we'll have a bunch more of
those we can cast.
Kal's still too low level to cast flight.
From: Kevin
Subject The climb
As Harp explains the plan, he sees Mund get a curious look on his face. When there is a break in the converstion, Harp approaches Mund to ask what the problem is. Mund tries to make like of things, but it is obvious to Harp that Mund is reluctant to "get magiked" as Mund might say.
Harp responds "Mund, I understand your misgivings. When I first joined the Order, it took me quite a while to get comfortable with the notion of relying on powers I could not touch directly. It has been a slow process for me to accept the powers my lord has granted me access to, through his grace. I can imagine that relying on just your brothers knowlede and skills would be an even more difficult task. I cannot force you to partake in this. I am sure that you are competent enough to scale the wall yourself, though it may take a very long time. I am concerned what your actions may communicate to the members of the rest of the party. If they see that Allistair's own brother will not trust his magic, what trust should they put in him. Come, swallow your pride, and trust in his training. If I have learned anything these past few years, it is that there is a time for muscles and fighting, and there is a time for magic. If, by his skills, he can get us all up to the top of this cliff in under 1/2 hour, the I think
we should give it a chance. If he fails, I will give you permission to beat him cross sides his head a few times. Just think of the songs you will be able to write about your bravery in trusting magic."
Harp will wait to see how Mund responds.
From: Porter
Subject The climb
"Just think of the songs you will be able to write about your bravery in trusting magic."
Mund pokes Harp in the chest. "Hey. I might not have studied in a fancy temple like you, but that doesn't mean I don't know when I'm being mocked. You think you're better than me, you dirty orc uchdorf*? You do it again and I'll kick your ass, but this time I won't do it friendly-like."
*bastard
From: Josh
Subject The climb
uh oh.....
I got 5gp on the big ugly one. Who's taking?
From: Porter
Subject The climb
Who's the big ugly one?
From: Josh
Subject The climb
I'll tell you after the fight. ;-)
Still working on a plan
Subject The climb
I like this, except remember that Salix can stay an eagle for 5 hours. He can help with ferrying more supplies after he drops Surin off (if necessary).
From: Kevin
Subject The climb
How had Harp done it again? He was trying to be nice and reasonable with a companion, and he had gone and angered them instead. How did that happen? He had not meant to cause this.
"Mund, I apologize if my comments seemed mocking. They were not meant so. I was merely trying to add some humor in a tense situation. If you prefer to climb up, please do so. This is not an issue worth fighting over. I will take your leave to allow you to prepare for your climb tomorrow."
Harp will leave Mund alone, trying to figure out what it was he had said that had gotten Mund so angry.
Harp will call the group together to go over the basics of the plan. They will work out who will carry what supplies and determine if anything will have to be carried on a separate trip. They will then mek those preparations and settle in for the night.
From: Porter
Subject The climb
"Whatever."
Mund doesn't want to admit it to that uppity Orc, but Harp had a point. That's a long and vulnerable climb. And tough too.
Mund gets his brother Alli over to one side and quietly asks him about his magic abilities. "Um, let's say that Harp carries everybody but Salix and I up the cliff, and while I'm climbing, I slip. Would any of your, uh, magic, be able to help me?"
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I have started writing the next turn but want to see how things turn out with Mund.
I will probably finish the next turn Sunday, since I am busy the rest of the day and all day Saturday.
Mund has his own idea
Subject The climb
OK, here's what Mund's gonna do:
He'll explore other options that he has, and in the end he'll realize that going up with Harp just makes the most sense. He won't say anything, but when it's time to start magicking up people, he'll join the rest. If anybody says anything, he'll be silent and just stare them down. If they still insist on talking about the situation, his response will be "Do you want us to get to the top, or do you want us to fight? 'Cuz truth to tell, I could go either way."
Flying
Subject Turn
I am working on the turn.
I am on page three right now. There is just a lot going on that needs to be described.
From: Porter
Subject Turn
I was afraid that this message was going to tell us that this game too has been canceled.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
The excitement is almost palpable. Every one is talking a mile a minute. A few of the party members start scurrying around, looking for things to pack. Harp's voice brings them to attention. "We are not going to attempt to make ascent today. To much of the day has passed. What I would like from all of you is options for how we can get up there. If we have to climb I see it taking us several days. I was hoping that Allistair might have a better idea or two." The next several hours, through dinner in fact, is spent putting together ideas Allistair and Mund and Harp spend much time together discussing what powers each can bring to bear on the problem.
Before the party turns in for the night Harp informs the party members of what plans have been made. There is much discussion about being made larger, smaller and flying all over the place. Mund seems very put out. He stomps around camp, muttering to himself. Harp approaches the barbarian. "Mund, I understand your misgivings. When I first joined the Order, it took me quite a while to get comfortable with the notion of relying on powers I could not touch directly. It has been a slow process for me to accept the powers my lord has granted me access to, through his grace. I can imagine that relying on just your brothers knowledge and skills would be an even more difficult task. I cannot force you to partake in this. I am sure that you are competent enough to scale the wall yourself, though it may take a very long time.
I am concerned what your actions may communicate to the members of the rest of the party. If they see that Allistair's own brother will not trust his magic, what trust should they put in him. Come, swallow your pride, and trust in his training. If I have learned anything these past few years, it is that there is a time for muscles and fighting, and there is a time for magic. If, by his skills, he can get us all up to the top of this cliff in under 1/2 hour, the I think we should give it a chance. If he fails, I will give you permission to beat him cross sides his head a few times. Just think of the songs you will be able to write about your bravery in trusting magic."
Mund's reply is fast and harsh. Mund pokes Harp in the chest. "Hey. I might not have studied in a fancy temple like you, but that doesn't mean I don't know when I'm being mocked. You think you're better than me, you dirty orc uchdorf*? You do it again and I'll kick your ass, but this time I won't do it friendly-like." *bastard
Harp is stunned by the response. He had meant it as a bit of a joke. ""Mund, I apologize if my comments seemed mocking. They were not meant so. I was merely trying to add some humor in a tense situation. If you prefer to climb up, please do so. This is not an issue worth fighting over. I will take your leave to allow you to prepare for your climb tomorrow." Mund's response is a gruff grunt and the two part, the air thick with tension between them.
Later that night, after the others had spent hours discussing the ascent, Mund approaches his brother. He mutters a bit, sort of stumbling around, looking for the right thing to say. His brother had obviously changed much in the 10 or so years since they had parted. He was no longer the little kid that Mund had teased. ""Um, let's say that Harp carries everybody but Salix and I up the cliff, and while I'm climbing, I slip. Would any of your, uh, magic, be able to help me?" Allistair looks a bit shocked at Mund's comments but thinks better of making fun of him. He is fairly sure he knows what the question has cost his brother.
He thinks for a minute before he answers. "Mund, there are several spells out in the world that could help you with your climb, but I have never had need to learn them. Once I learned the fly spell we will be using the others seemed redundant. I am sorry." "Mund furrows his brow at this word but decides his brother is not mocking him. "Oh well," Mund replies, " could you at least keep track of my gear and make sure it does not get hurt. I will not be able to take any of it on my climb." Allistair nods that he will and the two part.
The night goes quickly, at least to a few. Allistair does a fairly good job of keeping up appearances. "The whole party will be depending on me and my magic. What if it fails?" But he pushes that thought out of his head, just as his teachers had shown him. Knowing he could do these things was the first step in doing them. Mund spends some time looking at the cliff wall he plans on climbing tomorrow, trying to see the best route and how he will handle the moisture. It is bad enough that the climb is almost straight up, but the stone looks to be very slippery as well.
The next morning is overcast and dreary and wet. All of the party except Mund start dividing gear into smaller packages of about 20-25 lbs. Allistair, Ragnar, Kal and Harp all spend an hour in prayer or study. Surin spends his time using a section of rope to make a harness that can be dropped over top of Harp and that the others can use to keep their position on the 1/2 orc. Mund gets out his climbing gear and heads over to the cliff to get a start.
When the hour is up the party forms up. To everyones surprise Mund is there with them. He scowls at the party, just waiting for someone to make a comment. He does not see Harp make a gesture behind him, signaling the rest of the party to silence. The spell casters and the clerics make a few practice runs, working on their timing, knowing that this will be very important.
When they are comfortable with how things should go, Harp motions for Mund to join him. The two walk off a bit. "Mund, if your wish is for me to carry you, I can do that However, since it is my impression that you want to have as little magic done on you as possible, I would suggest that I take you and the other gear on the second trip. From what I can tell, your brother's spell should last long enough for me to make two trips. In fact you could speed things up by having the gear already on you when I come back down? How does that sound?" Mund grunts again and walks off to the side again.
The party stands in a circle, looking at each other. Harp dismisses the thought that crosses his mind "I am going to get us all killed doing this" and says "Let do it." Each caster and cleric does his job in order. Harp grows in size as other party members shrink to the size of Surin. Salix shimmers into the shape of a large owl just as Ragnar blesses him with the strength of a bull. Harp's muscles also seem to bulge as he finishes his blessing. Harp starts picking up gear and people and placing them in harness. Salix takes wing and grabs Surin under the arms with his talons and squeaks with the effort to get the halfling off the ground.
In just a few seconds the casting is done and the people are loaded. Harp has never felt this powerful before. The other party members feel like they are made of paper as he picks them up and places them into the harness. When every one and everything planned for the first trip is in its proper place, Harp makes a mental image of him moving upwards. He is a bit astonished to see that he does move upward. He glances at the cliff and adjusts his position so that he his right next to the cliff. In only a minute Harp is at the top and unloading the harness, getting ready to make the next trip. He sees Surin there, so he knows that Salix's part of the plan seems to be going well.
Harp goes down faster then he went up. When he gets there he motions to Mund to get into the harness and to get the rest of the gear. Mund throws the stuff around his neck and climbs into the harness. Harp gives out a "Hang on" and off they were. An owls passes them again, with another bag of gear in it's talons. It is another minutes before Harp comes to rest and not too soon. With in seconds of his landing he starts to feel the magic leaving his body. Salix arrives at that point, making Harp start to take in the situation.
It looks like all the essential gear has made it up. Salix is also supposed to talk with horses that they had to leave alone but he will not promise me anything. Salix drops what should be the last of the gear and shimmers back into his normal self. Harp turns to Salix, "OK, where is this door we are supposed again.
Salix nods north. It is in the copse of trees on th left about a mile from town. You never know.
OODM: OK I want a marching coders.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
OOC: Mark, what "town" are you referring to?
From: Porter
SubjectTurn
Mund offers to go at the head in order to keep an ear out anything odd.
From: Josh
Subject The lead
Kal suggests that him and Harp take the lead.
"Mund, I think you should take rear guard. We're going to need someone who's familiar with magic up front, but we don't want to put someone with no melee combat ability there, no offense Allistar. I also think either Harp or Ragnar should take the lead with me. We should be prepared for the Arcane, the Divine, and the Physical."
Suprisingly to the rest of the party, Kal's offer seems to be just that: counsel for Harp. Everyone is surprised to see Kal defering to Harp so readily.
From: Kevin
Subject The lead
Harp sets down, a sigh of relief quietly escaping his lips. He was familiar with magic, but still, he was a human (well, 1/2 human), not a bird. It was good to get his feet on solid land again. Even sailing did not feel as unatural as flying.
However, Harp's mind goes back to when he had been the size of a troll, and as strong. He mentiones to Allistair "You know, in a fight against a large creature like that Land Shark we encountered, a combination of your enlarge spell and my lords grace in increase my strength would be a formidable combination. I felt as if I could have carried everybody, reduced or not. I felt as if I could have cleaved a giant in half. We should keep that in mind in the future.
Harp asks Ran to oversee the unpacking and redistributing of the groups items. While this is going on, he will call Allistair, Mund and Ragnar over to discuss their next actions.
They discuss things for a few minutes, with Mund suggestings he lead the way. Harp considers for a few seconds, and then responds "Mund, you have successfully lead us to our goal, and for that we all, and the Order, thank you. However, our task has now changed slightly. We must now be on the look out for both magic and pyhsical obstacles; and the magic may be both divine and arcane. I am going to suggest the following order of march. Kal will lead, since he is both a proven fighter and has the ability to work with arcane magic. Ragnar and I will flank Kal on either side, so we can assist with any divine magic. Mund, I would like you and Ran to flank Allistair in the rank behind us. I would like Salix and Surin to cover the rear - they are more likely than most of us to notice anything from our rear and they will hep surround Allistair.
Lets take our places and move onto where the portal is."
As they get ready to leave, Harp will motion to Allistair "I am concerned about our trying to enter the portal this day. You have spend many of your spells on getting us up that damn cliff. Are your prepared to meet what is on the other side, or do you need a night to prepare a different variety of spells? I know that I would, if I had my druthers, spend a night contemplating what grace to ask of the Battle Lord."
At the top
Subject At the top
OOC: I'm a bit confused about this town thing too. If a town is up there, wouldn't there be a much easier way up or around the mesa? Anyway, Allistair will go wherever Harp assigns him, hopefully in the middle.
From: Mark
Subject At the top
Sorry there is no town.
I do not know what I was thinking when I wrote that. I was just trying to get it done before I had to go do something else. See what you get when you rush greatness? :)
I will try and get something more out this afternoon.
From: Randy
Subject At the top
Ran watches as everyone gathers their equipment. He doesn't watch too carefully, not really expecting anyone to try to take eachothers stuff. As he watches, he opens up his journal and writes of his experience flying up to the top of the cliff. It had been amazing even though he wasn't the one in control of the flight he felt so free.
As Harp outlines the marching order, Ran offers his support of the plan.
From: Porter
Subject At the top
Mund doesn't argue with Harp about the marching orders.
From: Karl
Subject At the top
Salix is OK with Harp's suggestion.