Children of the Mud

[Deuce Traveler]

Lem the Cook ponders the cattle for awhile and mumbles out loud, "Hmmm... I can't help but wonder if the milk would taste any different? Not for drinking straight up mind you, but just for cooking and baking." After a few awkward moments he finally notices the others staring hard at him and he turns red. "I....errrr.... can't cast spells, so no dispelling magic from me."

 

[mfloyd3]

Larissa looks at the tableau, askance. Then she gathers herself together and looks toward the bull before the tavern.

"I prayed this morning for Lady Firecast's blessing to remove one enchantment," she tells her companions. "Though I do not know if my skill is match for this sorcery. I will make the attemp."

She makes her way over to the cow, but stands a respectful distance away to avoid rousing the beast. Rather than drawing her sword in the square, she pulls out the amulet hung on a cord around her neck. "By the grace of Lady Firecast, I return you your form." She gestures, and there is a shimmering in the air.

[sblock=ooc]
Dispel Magic caster roll: 1D20+8 = [6]+8 = 14


I don't think that did it, but I'll let Sunshadow resolve things.
[/sblock]





[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * *unassigned
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Summon Monster III * Summon Monster IV
* Magic Circle Against * Divine Power
Evil * D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]

 

[sunshadow21]

The bull is suitably annoyed enough to move, so the spell is not entirely without effect, as it gives those trying to move it enough of an edge to get it out of the doorway, and you watch them struggle as they try to pull it across the square to a makeshift pen, but it remains a bull. "You have my thanks. I can tolerate a sense of humor to a point, but not when it interferes with business. I am Jeb, the owner of this fine establishment. We don't often see folks with your skill set around here, and most folks here like it that way. What brings you to our humble neighborhood?" You see a rather portly middle aged man watching the impromptu entertainment with a shake of his head.

 

[kinem]

"Hello Jeb. I am Menik. We've been asked to look into the recent troubles. What do you know about what happened?"

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

[section]

"As with our friend, the dispelling of the magic of others is not somethig I've learned as yet.."
​

[/section]

[sblock=OOC]Throwaway post just to let folks know I'm here - sorry about the poor quality.[/sblock]

 

[Deuce Traveler]

Lem looks at Jeb a bit sideways and asks, "So Jeb, is all this cattle out here yours? How do you keep so much in the bare grazing land of this city?"

 

[kinem]

Menik facepalms.

ooc: Sunshadow, what was the result of his detect magic spell (post #20)?

 

[sunshadow21]

"Not much. Some crazy showed up a week ago preaching something about the Prophet and that one could learn more from the High Priest in town. Don't know how many responded; had any one of that ilk been foolish enough to tell me, they would have had their ears knocked off. The world's crazy enough without feeding the maggots of its underbelly. Than a few hours ago, a large crowd of strangers gathered and proceeded to turn themselves into the farmyard you see before you. Don't know what the city plans on doing with all of these animals. I may build a pen and keep the bull for the humor of it." Menik detects no magic, and based on his own observations and the reports he had heard thus far, he can only surmise that someone managed to create, and cast, an instantaneous, and effectively permanent, version of polymorph.

OOC: There are more than just cows, by the way; pretty much every type of farm animal you could think of is represented, and the noise of a couple dozen animals confused and confined in a small space is starting to get on your nerves.

 

[mfloyd3]

"Did you happen to hear how this High Priest might be found?" Larissa asks the tavern owner.




[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * *unassigned
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Summon Monster III * Summon Monster IV
* Magic Circle Against * Divine Power
Evil * D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]

 

[sunshadow21]

"Can't say that I heard. You would probably have to get that straight from the horse's mouth, or perhaps the cow, or chicken; scratch that, it's gotta be the sheep with the wolfish grin." Jeb chuckles a bit as he glances around the square one last time before turning to head inside. "I best get back to work; the world don't stop spinning just because someone wants to turn it into a farm. You know where to find me if you have any further questions." You are left watching the last of the animals finally be secured as two men on ladders manage to grab a goose that had been flying from lamp post to lamp post to avoid being grabbed.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

Lem scratches his head, "I don't think talking to cattle is going to get us anywhere, but I'm out of ideas." He tests a theory away from prying ears, sidling up to one of the livestock and asking quietly, "Hey, if you could give some kind of direction in the dirt, and you understand me, can you draw an arrow in the general vicinity of where in the city you think that High Priest guy might be hanging out?"

 

[kinem]

Menik shakes his head and says "Hard to understand how a mind could become so addled. Uh, the people who were part of this, I mean.

I think our best bet right now is to try to track down where some of the 'strangers' came from. The watch must be getting reports of missing persons from all over the city.

In the meantime, let's see if any of the other locals know more than Jeb."

Menik asks some of the other locals what they know of the 'high priest' and related matters.

ooc: Diplomacy [roll0] to gather information.

 

[mfloyd3]

Larissa nods at Menik's example, and begins questioning onlookers, searching for any information. As she moves about the square, she also keeps an eye out for anything unusual. Or at least more unusual than the farm animals.

[sblock=ooc]
In addition to talking to onlookers, she's looking for clues. One useful thing might be clothing from one of the transformed humans - she is considering whether it could be used to track them by scent, though doing so in the middle of a city is problematic.

PERCEPTION:
perception roll for clues: 1D20+3 = [1]+3 = 4


DIPLOMACY TO GATHER INFORMATION:
Diplomacy to Gather Informaion: 1D20+8 = [8]+8 = 16


[/sblock]



[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * *unassigned
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Summon Monster III * Summon Monster IV
* Magic Circle Against * Divine Power
Evil * D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

[section]

Weylyn moves around with the others, questioning those folk he can find who are still capable of human speech, looking for any information about the events of the day, the identity or whereabouts of the 'High Priest,' or anything else that might help them unravel this mystery.
​

[/section]

[sblock=Actions/Rolls]Diplomacy (1d20+2=17)[/sblock]

 

[sunshadow21]

Sadly, it rapidly becomes clear that anyone that might know details is no longer human, and none of the locals seem to know who the transformed animals were before being transformed. They are also very much vexed by the fact that most of them had never been this close to a single farm animal, let alone this many at once, and most would have been quite happy keeping it that way. The cow is helpful in pushing Lem some fresh hay for supper, but that's pretty much it.

 

[mfloyd3]

As their search comes to a close, the group drifts back together at the center of the square. "I take it from your expressions that your search went no better than mine?" Larissa asks the others.

The priestess seems to ponder the situation. "I am at a loss," she admits. "On the morrow, I could ask the Saints to grant me new favors, and perhaps break the curse on the animals. They might then be able to help us. Have you any other ideas?" She asks the others.



[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * *unassigned
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Summon Monster III * Summon Monster IV
* Magic Circle Against * Divine Power
Evil * D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]

 

[kinem]

Menik says "There may be no quick way to do this. I don't think the polymorph spell can be reversed, because I detect no magic on the animals.

My only thought is to inquire at the temples around town. The priests may have learned of this new religion coming in and trying to poach their flock. Perhaps they know something of this High Priest."

 

[mfloyd3]

Larissa nods at the wizard's analysis. "It would be wise to check with the priests," she notes. "I can make inquiries there. But who are these recruits that make their way to the Children of the Mud? The guard must know the names of some, if only because they will have gone missing. Perhaps one of us should speak to the Whitecloaks, and if names are found, they could speak to families? At the very least, we could find out the sort of person they recruit. That might give us some clue toward finding them."



[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * *unassigned
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Summon Monster III * Summon Monster IV
* Magic Circle Against * Divine Power
Evil * D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]

 

[Deuce Traveler]

"I could offer the guards some baked cinnamon rolls to get them more talkative, if we have the time. A warm, happy stomach leads folks to talk more," Lem the Cook offers with a smile that his main talents may once again prove useful. "Say, I'm not a spellcaster, but what would be easier? A spell that polymorphs a large amount of people in a square, or some kind of illusion or enchantment spell that would make people think they saw something that wasn't true?"

 

[kinem]

I was hoping he wouldn't think of that. It may not be long before those animals end up in a pot ...

Menik replies "That's a good thought Lem. Since I didn't detect magic on the animals, we don't really know what happened here.

But for now I think we have to proceed as if the polymorphing really happened. It's our only possible lead, and the animals must be protected just in case they really are polymorphed people. I guess we could try to find out if someone recently acquired a large number of farm animals.

An illusion wouldn't require magic quite as powerful, but still would indicate a powerful spell. I just think ... well, an actual polymorphing would be weirder. And weird magic is what the Children of the Mud seem to be associated with. Magic that doesn't make sense by the normal standards of a wizard like me."