OOC Chat

[gurusql]

Does dexterity help with steering the raft/mushroom cap?
If so, three high dex characters might offset a penalty there.

Having high DEX individuals would not hurt but the steering challenge is because of the fact the mushroom cap wants to start spinning as steering happens and a spinning boat (even slowly) is hard to steer by sticking something in the water.

[Rex]

Thanks for the xp.

[Dicey]

Hi All, I was finally able to read through all the backstory so now I have a better grasp of the past and clues to the earthquake sources. The question is one of motivation. The Shtelke and their Princely Born dragon lack a motivation (and the power).

The Silver Spring dwarves belief that it's the illithids doesn't feel right. It strikes me that the Illithid, who are not terribly far from the dwarves, would not inflict earthquakes that also damage their own underground region. For if far-away Loftwick and the kingdom feel the earthquakes, the underground region here is much closer to the epicenter.

DM Guru: Have I missed any indication that the illithid's sections of the underground suffer as the dwarves sections do from the earthquakes?

I believe in the efreet's claim that it is Para-Elemental Plane of Magma monster called Ronkard. It would possess the power needed to cause such earthquakes. We have general directions to reach it past "the Crossing." With tentacles over a league long, it should be a bit easier to find. How to kill or banish such a thing I have few ideas (polymorph it? disintegrate?)

A creature of Ronkard's uniqueness and size may be scryable via Reflecting Pool. Maybe an Augary or Divination to somehow validate or prove Rondard's existence?

Can we send a message back via dwarf pigeon (I vaguely recall pigeon messengers) to Loftwick to 1) explain the problem and request the kingdom's wizards send magic to us to kill this thing; 2) authorize us to open Loftwick's coffers to pay the efreet and his friends to help us.

Research

Souixsie’s Journal

Over the past two years, the magic that makes compasses point north has weakened and the direction has changed .1 degrees, it is small now, but it is there. Something is changing the earth itself and I can only assume that is leading to the earthquakes!"

since the Shtelke stated "The Princely born moved the heavens and the earth and freed us from eternal darkness." which could be the source of the earthquakes.

Siouxsie

Not sure just a dragon on its own can make these regional earthquakes. So while Preb is most likely a source, there must be more to it.

The price for the earthquakes to stop for The Yeomanry League is 5 head of horse or cattle per rising of the sun and 100 gold coins from each member of the Council of Common Grosspokesmen per month.

Androgost wonders out loud, "Are the Hill Giants part of the dragon's army too? Is there no limit to his forces? Did he cause these earthquakes or is it as Hirdom Mastermight the High Priest of the High Church of Heironeous said that Silver Spring knows the source of these earthquakes?"

Without horses or other transport faster than walking, it is impossible to get back to Lofkin by the 22nd day.

”There is no doubt in my mind that the illithids are responsible for the earthquakes. They must intend to drive us from our homes so they can herd us into their slave pits to a fate worse than death!

We are not powerful enough to openly oppose the illithids, but neither can we sit back and do nothing. We were over joyed when Arvid Stonespring divined that you were coming and that The Yeomanry League was coming to our aid. What say you!"

Please note that where the 'I' is on the map is the entrance to a series of caves that the illithids have taken over the far side. The darker colors are primary branches off the Highway that we are recommending that you avoid."

Map: viewtopic.php?

The fire-creature says, "retrieve us the Black Gem … In exchange for giving us the gem you will get … all the information I have on the earthquakes and on the number of the Drow in the area?"

I can tell you that the earthquakes are being caused by a creature from the Para-Elemental Plane of Magma, known as a Ronkard. This Ronkard came to this plane as an infant and at that time it was no larger than I, but as it grows as it absorbs heat. It is doing this by tapping into pockets of magma that are deep under this mountain. Today it has multiple tentacles that are over a league long. It has weakened the rock structures and this entire mountain will soon be a volcano which will keep moving and changing the landscape of this area forever. This gigantic Ronkard must be slain to save the mountain and the surrounding area. I estimate you have about two weeks till this happens, perhaps less. I assume you are going to ask me where this beast is, but that I can only give an good guess - We travelled all this way from the Crossing and did not see it so it must have travelled the opposite direction from the Crossing. If there is nothing else, we to should be on our way."

There is a spot well down the highway, much farther than you have gone that allows you to cross between this plane and the Para-Elemental Plane of Magma. If you travel down the tunnels you so call the Highway and pass the river crossing and then it is another 2-3 miles. My friend and I here call it the Crossing. I believe that completes our transaction."

[gurusql]

DM Guru: Have I missed any indication that the illithid's sections of the underground suffer as the dwarves sections do from the earthquakes?

The party never did find the illithids. This could be one several reasons, but not limited to
(a) the illithids have left the area/plane because of the earthquakes
(b) the dwarves were mistaken and there were no illithids
(c) the group only explored a fraction of the cave area that the illithids were potentially in perhaps they just were not found.

As far as the cave areas that the illithids were supposed to be in (e.g. the general area) the earthquakes were felt there and there was a minor collapse.

[Dicey]

Hi guys I’m respectfully bowing out. Nice playing with you. Have fun.

[gurusql]

Understood, thank you and good luck

[gurusql]

McThunder will be taking over for Siouxsie.

Welcome!

[Rex]

Welcome Aboard McThunder!

[shaidar]

Welcome!

[GreyWolfVT]

Welcome Aboard McThunder!

[McThunder]

Thanks! Being dropped in a wildly spinning mushroom on raging waters is my idea of a good time!

[shaidar]

There isn't much Garrant can do to help, no skills, spells or equipment that might help, and he's not very strong. Which is why I had him try and help Frannie who got wet and cold, so she didn't fall off or something.

[Rex]

I am not sure there is much more any of us can do. If someone has an idea I am all for trying it.

[McThunder]

Whelp, I tried! Lol

[shaidar]

@gurusql

Hey, I just wanted to check that an Enlarge spell also affects all the equipment the creature is wearing/carrying?

[gurusql]

Yes it would.

[shaidar]

Cool, just wanted to be sure

[gurusql]

The sky burns, the stage is set,
Adventures wait, but not just yet.
Before we march through myth and flame,
Who still desires to play this game?

The dice lie still, many voices are quiet,
But magic stirs within the air.
So raise your voice, ignite the flame
And let me know: are you still game?

[shaidar]

Well, it feels like are almost at the conclusion of the adventure and it's time for the big fight at end.

Having seen it this far we should see if can finish this off, or get squished trying.

[Rex]

Agreed, it certainly feels that way.