Expedition: Fingers/Treasure of Yoldessi Plains- 30 Aug 2021

[Zhym]

Removing all the undead and ghouls in the tomb seems like a pretty substantial "single thing," especially since she probably wouldn't join us for longer than we'll be in the tomb anyway. I'd go with that over a low chance of her going adventuring with us.

[Alethan]

OOC: Bandy has a CHA of 12 and is maybe high enough level? I'm happy to give it a try...

Bandy swallows the lump in his throat and steps forward, "Aeora, I think my friend Fingers here has the tools to free you from your prison. After he breaks up the engraving, the spell should be broken and you would be free to leave. However, if you wanted to hang around for a while, we would enjoy your company! We would love to hear about the history of the North before our arrival."

[Zhym]

Hold off on that, if you would. Winnie has a pretty high charisma, IIRC, so we should have her make the request. Also, Fingers is releasing her before we make any requests so that there's no misunderstanding about us bargaining for her release.

[Rusty Tincanne]

Just. As long as we ask her to stay and have a chat before you do so. The kid has been wanting to go see her family for centuries. She's not likely to linger otherwise.

Also, m okay with Bandy trying to recruit her for the duration of our whole adventure.

[Zhym]

Fingers won't ask anything of her before starting to release her. But I imagine chipping away at her wards won't be instantaneous, so Winnie can probably ask her to stay around and chat while Fingers is working on freeing her.

[Alethan]

If someone is high enough level (Markd), they can recruit her for the expedition with a [2d6], or someone else can request aid for one specific task/action (same [2d6]), but not both. Whatever is chosen must be roleplayed (Markd has been silent so for, for example).

Bandy was offering based on this; it seems like there is a restriction on what level can recruit a... is this a genie? Not sure what level Winnie is, but Bandy is Level 6.

[Zhym]

Fingers is also level 6. I'm guessing based on Markd's ability to recruit the Wind Child and his effect on undead so far that he must be level 7 by now.

[onlyme]

Fingers is also level 6. I'm guessing based on Markd's ability to recruit the Wind Child and his effect on undead so far that he must be level 7 by now.

He kept getting bonus XP every time he won a Mis-congeniality contest in town...

[Rusty Tincanne]

Depending on Marullus's answer regarding Bandy's ability to recruit her, I'll have Winnie ask for a favor then. Is it just help with the undead in this place we want then? Or do we just go greedy and ask for a wagon full of diamonds magical artifacts?

Also, Winnie is still a fan of using magic missile to free the girl, if that will work. Magic to undo magic... Though I suppose we should conserve her spells.

[Zhym]

No need to use a spell to do what a chisel will do as well, IMO.

And greedy wishes never work out well.

[Alethan]

I'm with Zhym on this. Save the spell if we just need a chisel to deface the spell of holding.

Being greedy with a magical creature that has been held against its will for thousands of years right after you free it is not a good idea. Actually, it's likely a really bad idea.

Maybe if you'd rather have magical items than have her clear all of the undead out, we could ask "Can you provide us with powerful magical weapons that will aid us in clearing all of the foul undead from this crypt?"

[Rusty Tincanne]

Maybe if you'd rather have magical items than have her clear all of the undead out, we could ask "Can you provide us with powerful magical weapons that will aid us in clearing all of the foul undead from this crypt?"

What do you folks think about that idea? Have her help us clear it, or ask for items to help?

Or... "We are trying to clear this crypt (and the whole land) of undead. Is there anything (magical) you might be able to offer us all to assist in this?" That would leave it up to her to decide if she'd like to stay or just give us tools.

[Zhym]

I'm guessing we're not going to get a workaround on the level requirement to recruit an NPC.

But I like your idea: tell her what we're doing here, ask her to help. Maybe she'll help by clearing out all the undead, maybe she'll help by giving us something that will help us do it, maybe she'll join us. Whatever she does, it will be her choice. Not a bad approach with someone who has had "gifts" demanded from her for who knows how long.

Fingers still wants treats for Sprinkles, though.

[Alethan]

But I like your idea: tell her what we're doing here, ask her to help. Maybe she'll help by clearing out all the undead, maybe she'll help by giving us something that will help us do it, maybe she'll join us. Whatever she does, it will be her choice. Not a bad approach with someone who has had "gifts" demanded from her for who knows how long.

This. Let's go with this.

[Rusty Tincanne]

Winnie kneels down next to the warded force field and chats with Aeora. Fingers says he can use his chisels to break up the carvings. So we're definitely going to get you out of here so you can go back home. No more waiting! She smiles quietly, allowing Aeora to express her pleasure in this. When she is quiet again, Winnie continues. Once you are free, we would love it if you would with us a bit before you go home. If you are interested.

You see, we are trying to rid this place of all the dreadful undead monsters here, and we don't want to ask you for anything because we know you have been forced to give so much to so many... But if you are of the mind to help us - in any way you would choose - we would really appreciate the assistance. And if you wanted to stay with us, I am sure we would be fast friends! You can even play with our dogs, Sprinkles and Mrs. Dash. They are really good dogs! Do you have dogs where you are from?

Wasn't sure if it was 3d6 or the 2d6 recruiting roll, since we decided not to actually recruit her. Your choice, of course.

Aeora: CHA 17 vs [3d6] = 10
Aeora [2d6-2] = 9-2 = 7, [2d6-2] = 11-2 = 9, [2d6-2] = 4-2 = 2

[Alethan]

Wasn't sure if it was 3d6 or the 2d6 recruiting roll, since we decided not to actually recruit her. Your choice, of course.

Aeora: CHA 17 vs [3d6] = 10
Aeora [2d6-2] = 9-2 = 7, [2d6-2] = 11-2 = 9, [2d6-2] = 4-2 = 2

Per Marullus's post...

If someone is high enough level (Markd), they can recruit her for the expedition with a [2d6], or someone else can request aid for one specific task/action (same [2d6]), but not both. Whatever is chosen must be roleplayed (Markd has been silent so for, for example).

I don't think Winnie is high enough level to recruit Aeora. Bandy and Fingers might not even be high enough level.

But if you are making the rolls for the aid for one specific task/action option, then it's 2d6, as indicated above.

[Marullus]

Fingers chisels away the stone wards at the bottom step, creating a two-foot wide gap in the runic symbols of binding. Winnie crouches and speaks to Aeora, reassuring her of her release and asking if she'd be willing to stay and talk, as well as help with ridding the tomb of undead.

She is indeed effusively grateful, weeping tears that fall like a pattering of spring rain on the stone near her feet... or rather, the thick mist where her feet should be, now that you look closer.

Welling up with emotion, she responds affirmatively. "I have waited so many, many ages to destroy the evil of this place!" she says passionately. "I will see you on the surface above, where the wind can once again touch my face. We can talk then!" she exclaims as she explodes up the stairs in a rush of air which pushes you backwards against either wall. As she reaches the top of the stair, beyond the light of Winnie's staff, you see nothing but a whirling of wild winds as her pent-up emotions unleash on whatever lies beyond. There is a deafening roaring that doesn't cease as she moves through the chambers above and the stone walls around you groan and shake ominously.

The mist in the chamber is gone, departing with her. Beyond the sigils carved around the entire room, you can see there is a lifesize statue in the center of the room. Markd can read the plaque which identifies it as King Farthegn, carved exquisitely of white marble.

Date: 5:40pm, 03 September 2021
Light: Winnie's continual light
Effects: None
Injuries: Elmer (moderately injured); Buttercup (critically injured)

[Zhym]

"Hooray! We helped someone!" cheers Fingers. "Shame she didn't leave any swell treats for Sprinkles, though."

He moseys up to the statue and checks it for secret compartments, traps, etc.

[DavetheLost]

"Do you think we should head back to the surface now to meet her? Or will she stick around for a bit? Jimmy is sure going to get a surprise when she pops out..."

[Rusty Tincanne]

or someone else can request aid for one specific task/action (same [2d6]),

I thought I had read that but then couldn't find it again.

Dang. I hate failing rolls when there entire group is counting on it. At least she didn't find Winnie disingenuous and threatening, causing her to blast is against the walls and kill us.

Winnie cries with Aeora, happy to see the ancient child free. When Aeora rushes up the stairs, Winnie hugs Fingers, then Bandy, Markd and Heingst. We have done a great service in freeing Beith's magical child. Each time the wind bolts against us, we can think on this and smile. Thank you all so much! As Fingers searches the statue, Winnie inspects the remaining warding, taking notes. What do you think she will do to the gargoyles?