My mom is moving this weekend and that might mean cutting things short I will let you guy know as soon as I have details. (They are suppose to close on the house any day and if soon, they could be done moving by this weekend.)

I can play this week, but will have to leave by around 4:30. I need to be able to make it across town for a family dinner myself.

Seems like a weird scheduling day, but let's shoot for tomorrow at 11. Those that can make it - Great! and those that can't be on time - Show when you can. I won't know until the middle of today whether or not my mom is moving this weekend (house still hasn't closed) and if she does, then I will likely need to leave around 4. She told me last night it would only be a 25% chance, though.

Looks like the house didn't close, so I am not helping my mom move. That means 11-5 or so is the plan for tomorrow. Any chance at a quick headcount on who is here when?

I'm still in, but may have to leave closer to 4pm.

From what I understand:
Liam: good for entire session
Brandon: "Might be" late
Paul: going to be late
Liz: Possibly as late as 2
Brian: leaving at 4
Darren/Conner: not showing up
Jennifer: possibly a little late due to shopping

You guys definitely make things interesting when it comes to planning.

In case you didn't get the memo: LEVEL UP!!! Exciting times

At this point, let's play it by ear but tentatively plan for January 7th as the next game session, as long as that works for most. At that point, we will hopefully fall back into our biweekly routine.

Sounds like a plan, man. Til the 7th then!

Can I get a head count for this weekend and for next? The reason I ask is that I am pretty sure that Jennifer won't be here and I am debating pushing our session off until next weekend. We could possibly still get together and either build terrain or play Munchkin or whatever if we push the session back a week.

Thoughts?

I am going to be there and u am down for whtever

My thought:

Terrain building for the first couple of hours, then Munchkin. This would push our D&D session to the following Saturday. If this doesn't work for most then we can keep it as planned. I would just like to know so that I can be ready for whichever.

I'd likely be best off with one weekend, but not both.

As for which weekend and what we do, I'm open to whatever.

In that case, we will have a informal (terrain/Munchkin) day this weekend and a D&D session next weekend.

Munchkin was a blast, especially Munchkin Zombie. Also, thanks for helping build some terrain. I would really like it if we could get together to do that once a month or so. It would give me the incentive to not lag in building and would benefit everyone by giving us more options to game on.

I look forward to this coming Saturday's session with your new and improved 8th level characters. Hopefully everyone remembers how to play with how long it has been

On a side note, go vote in this thread for what WWG should create in 2012. I personally think a Steampunk Airship would be AWESOME and fits perfectly into the Eberron setting. That being said, if you have any questions about what the sets are in that thread, let me know.

See you guys tomorrow morning. Make sure to level up to 8th. Also, let me know if you have any questions or need your character sheet printed or something.

On a side note, the cutting machine I ordered arrived today. If I didn't have a sleeping kid I might be up all night getting terrain built

It was a good game yesterday.

I don't know everyone else's schedule, but I think I'm good for the 28th. I do think its a good idea to sort a few things out before the next game, whenever it is, and hopefully help out things so Aaron can plan.

Assuming that the two artificers are willing to give us at least a day to rest and secure things, we'll have a little time to plan out our next step. I'll try to post a few things in character later, but Dyer will try to find out from them how they got to the forge (i.e. on foot or by portal like we did). If they didn't come by portal, he'll ask them to consult with them on if they could hopefully make the portal we came through a two way doorway. It changes a lot if we have the option of quickly passing right back into the sewers of Sharn, rather than having to trek out through the Mournlands. I don't know if Aaron wants to give us a quick run down of options or if we want to discuss it out of character (I personally don't care, as I see good story options either way). Since it looks like they were part of the group who blew the hole in the wall from the cave and into the forge, Dyer will also try to find out if the artificers have the ability to collapse the cave (closer to the mouth if possible) after we leave. After those conversations, Dyer is going to try and get moments alone with several of the others (particularly Erdick and Fang).

On the topic of the magic items/loot. In character, Dyer will be content with being allowed to keep all the notes he's collected form the dead forge master as well as any ritual books or other tomes of knowledge he can find. He'll even try to convince the artificers to turn over their books, until he can be sure that they mean the group no harm. On top of that, he'll collect some samples or try to find any relics/trophies/personal items of the dragon marked house that would good to keep and/or sell. Something (even non-magical) stuff that would be proof of their find would be perfect. These don't have to be anything of great monetary value, but things of academic significance would be his priority.

Out of character, while its been a while since I've gotten anything magic item wise, I'm okay with what I do have. Most of my wish list is upgraded (8-9th lv) versions of the stuff I picked when we started, with a few other things that are more flavor. The exceptions to that are all lower level items. The only 12th level things I've see right now that would be effective for Dyer come at a cost to what he has already, so I'm not in a rush. With another feat that would change, so if nothing else it can wait a while. So unless there is an option for us to maybe forgo one of the items and have everyone who doesn't get the one remain 12th level item maybe upgrade a single item they have, I'm fine letting someone else get the two items.

In character, Dyer will simply lend his arcane knowledge to the discussion of thing and make suggestions about what might be useful for other characters to have. He will then indicate that it would be worth considering for whoever gets the items to put a significant amount of gold back toward the rest of the party, who can split the coin evenly. He will not press for it, or clarify what exactly he wants, but he will note that there is a certain enhancement of suitable power that could be placed on a long blade that would benefit him. He would want it placed on his existing sword though, as it has sentimental value, but would be willing to first transfer the existing enhancement onto someone else's blade. He would though be content with the gold, assuming we make it back to Sharn, as there are a number of arcane books he’s had his eye on acquiring.

That's all for now.

The plan as of now is the 28th. I just found out that I might have something going on that day, so I am curious to know if you guys would prefer the following weekend (the 4th). My obligation is only until noon on the 28th, so we could start a little late instead.

Either way, I would love to figure out a plan for what you guys want to accomplish. A few of you addressed some ideas of plans just after most everyone left, but I will let you guys discuss your thoughts on how you want things done.

My questions to you are:
- If and when you get back to Sharn, what is the plan?
- What are your short term (and possibly long term) goals with the forge?
- What happens with the two artificers? (do you want them to return to the Citadel/are you going with or letting them go as they seem to prefer/etc)

Also, keep in mind, there is a ton going on now. We have:
- A creation forge
- Bladebearer/Wordbearer intrigue yet to be delved into (was from the published adventure we just finished)
- Boromar Clan
- Daask
- City Watch
- Mystical shard
- Scarlet Jax
- Individual Character background developments (Dragonmarked House interactions/etc)

As for gear, based on the lists I have handy it looks like if I were to rank people by gear they currently own, I would put the list as such: (least to greatest)
Fang
Zerif
Dyer
Aldos
Keyleth
Erdrick

Dyer will try and convince the Eladrin women and her Half-Elf artificer assistant to collect up their belongings and get prepared to leave the next morning for Breland. Dyer will ask them to help with two things over the next day as well, first being figuring out if the portal back to Sharn's sewers can be opened from this end. Second being securing the forge. He is not inclined to let the go immediately, or to leave them alone. He would like them to stay together, and to have Fang and/or Keyleth keep an eye on them. He will also be trying to get Aldos and as many of the others as he can to start collecting together the travel supplies (food and water) from the Blade Bearers belonging for the trip. Mind you, much of this is actually busy work or emergency planning. He is not certain that he wants to leave in a day, but he needs to buy time so he can get Erdick off to the side so that they can have a chat.

"Erdrick, you have presented a clear picture of your intentions for this Forge. I suspect you do not though have a clear picture of the difficulties your plan presents."

"Assuming that the dragon construct's boasts of being one with the forge were misleading and that we could operate it at any level on our own now that it is dead, we still lack the resources needed to stay in this place. I do not enjoy the idea of ingesting goblin fair longer than we must, but we will need to salvage what we can to be able to make the trip out of the Mournlands. There is likely more about than we will need for the trip, but not enough to support this place of any duration. Exposure to the curse on the land is a risk though, so staying any longer than necessary is not wise. Assuming the rock between us and the surface of the cursed land around us gives us some level of protection from the foul residue on the land, we may be able to hold here for a short span. Even then, I doubt that Blade Bearers and the Citadel will give us much time. Both appear to know of this place, and the Word Bearers may as well. Any or all may descend on this place at any time. Time is not an asset we have to spare. We need to gain what we can from this place and be gone as quickly as possible"
"To add to that, we are not even certain of where we are in the Mournland or the route out. Those two agents of the Citadel do know though, as they lead the way here. For now we need them."

"If necessary, I can get that information from the artificers on our exact location and the route to more neutral territories. What I can not do is substitute the resources and contacts they are likely to be able to lend us in traveling out of here. Even after we get out of the Mournlands, they are likely to know people and be able to arrange much easier passage back to Sharn than what we will be able to do on our own. And they clearly wish to leave."

"It is clear they do not intend of being...employed by you and your industrial plan. You might think to kill them to ensure their silence about this place, but I would point out that it is very likely that the Citadel and hobgoblins likely have knowledge of this place independent of those two. Everyone found here is likely a lead force, and though we have that lead now, we do not have the force to hold this place against either organization."

"Now, if the portal back to Sharn can be activated or they insist on leaving ahead of us. I confess that the need to keep them cooperative is substantially less. We can deal with those questions in a moment. But we still need to move."

"Now, hear me out a moment"

"We need to leave this forge, even though I know you detest the idea of doing so. I would argue though that the forge is not what you need. It is a production facility well beyond your needs or ability to sustain at this time. The key there is, at this time. What you need now is the knowledge here. Possession of this place is currently a curse, not an asset. It's existence and knowledge are the asset. But ones that we can not take advantage of here."

"For now, we take everything we can in the short time we have and secure the forge as best we can. If the other artificers will give us some time, we use them to accomplish those tasks. If not, there is too much risk to let them leave ahead of us. We have need of their knowledge to get away from this place, and in addition I do not trust them. Their motives are still suspect, and I would also not risk them speaking poorly of us to the Citadel if they do go that way."

"The focus for now must be to hide the forge, rather than be caught inside it as those we just killed were. We then have the option of either using its existence as a form of trade, or saving it for future use."

If Erdirk does not have an immediate response, we will make sure that the artifacer pair are being watched and then try to get a feel from everyone else what they intend. He will make it clear he does not want to stay in the forge, but will otherwise be vague about his intentions. Again, if the opportunity presents its (without leaving the two artifacers alone) he will get Fang alone and talk to her as well.

You missed the end of the session.

"We convinced the Eladrin and her half-elf companion to stay with us while we rested up our strength. Then in the middle of the night, she died. I mean deaded than dead. If there was a word to describe how dead she is, the word that I would use is 'Cadaverific'. I could give two shits about that backstabbing, traitorous bitch. She decided that she would get in over her head with Hobgoblins, dicked over her compatriot, then is going to beg for mercy from Citadel? Fuck her. If she's luck she would have received a quick summary execution for turning over state secrets to the Hobgoblins, they would have sent a team in, and destroyed this place. Something I will NOT stand for. This place was supposed to be dismantled at the end of the war. I will kill every last mother fucker that tries to destroy this piece of knowledge. Please don't push me on this one."

"As for securing this place and getting the fudge out of here? I agree. We'll pack up what we need. I'll secure and disconnect some key components and take them with myself, than we can be on our merry way. But as the previous occupants are already dead, and since you haven't checked out the lobby since we were last in there, this place is now the property of Naked Industries."

Shiney?

(I’m going to guess that since Aaron asked about the fate of the two artificers in his post after the session on Sat, that their actual fate is yet to be determined. I will guess that Erdick still at least lets his intentions, or his hostility, be known to Dyer when they talk

Beyond that, I also put up an adventure log yesterday: http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaign/14116/adventure-log/thoughts-on-success)

Dyer starts off muttering to himself in one of his strange languages, “Zhu fuen chse,”

“Erdick. If anyone in this verse is not going to push against your…protectiveness about this place, it is I. As far as my affairs go, your Naked Industries is welcome to the forge. My interest is in the theoretical and intellectual pursuits of the former lord here, not his physical toils or the assets he left behind. Your claims pertaining to the tangible products here and my concentration on the more esoteric mysteries about, run in parallel. There is no need for any discord.”

“I simply offer an opinion on our situation, and would counsel on not acting rashly or in such a way as to actually endanger the forge yourself. My only other interest is to deter actions that might prevent us from living long enough to benefit from this place. Whether or not that woman reaches the Citadel and what her fate there would be, is not of any immediate concern. But act rashly and you limit options. Right now she does have a use and knowledge, which will be rendered unavailable to us should she come to an immediate end. Certainly you can see beyond her tarnished standing and acknowledge the valuable information she likely bears. We need some time to get that information, be it sought by direct or indirect means. If she is cooperative for a time, as long as we can control her, we can make effective use of her. She is obviously easily subdued, having had her will broken by these hobgoblins. I would suggest putting her to menial tasks for the next day and let her believe we are leaving. Allow us to use that time to maximum efficiency. We can revisit her future on a daily basis if needed.”

“But, if she so threatens or offends you that an agreeable attitude toward her at the present is impossible, or if you insist on hastily instigating a hostile relationship with her …well, so be it. I would only suggest that you at least allow me some time to make inquiries to her. She likely knows much more than her half-elf underling, whose cooperation in turn is likely linked to her attitude and health. I would add, I do not trust that one either, as he seemed under no more restraint then his Mistress. I would point out that there are things the woman may know that you NEED to know. She for instance is likely the only one able to tell us if the Citadel or the Blade Bears already have the location of the Forge, and if not, we will need to know what markers she used to get to this location. If there are markers that led her here, we must look to obscuring them. Securing the workings of the forge is only effective if it’s location can also be secured. If nothing else, those two may be able to tell us how to obscure or block the breach between cavern and forge that they created to gain entry, or tell us if there are additional rooms still blocked off that deserve exploration.”

“I would also like to know what came to happen in this place. Did the former lord go mad and destroy it? Did he create it without his House’s approval, or was it assumed destroyed when the Cyre was struck down and became the Mournlands. Its presence in this cursed country may have prevented it from being dismantled after the great war, but at least some now show interest in its existence. But how many and how much do they know? These are curiosities to me, but important details to your pursuits. Only she may be able to better provide an idea of these things. It is wise to know if the dragonmarked house knows of this place’s fall, simply believes it lost, or if they never knew of it. She is our best resource for these questions, unless you would like to travel to the Citadel yourself to ask them what she is doing here and what they next plan???”

“I did note that you placed your stamp in blood atop the house mark.in the lobby. I would rather be away without leaving banners of our presence behind, but I defer the choice on marking your territory to you.”

“In turn, respect my desire to be completely discrete about my own presence here.”

“Keep in your thoughts that right now there is the opportunity of leaving this place with none the wiser of the knowledge you intend of removing, knowledge many would kill us for having acquired. If none come here in our absence, all the better. But if others do come here before you are able to return in a position to put the forge to full use, it might be best if they can not track you down so easily, as most will come in pursuit of the parts and components that are missing”

”No one has a claim to this place recognized beyond these walls as of now. If you want some sort of valid claim to this place, that mark in blood will not suffice. For that, I would think that you would need a patron…or in your terms a backer. That though is a step I do not see in your nature, but one you should consider. I will only say that if you do think along those lines, and it turns out that only the Citadel is even aware of this place, that they are the only ones with the ability to do so who might be willing to covertly support you here. It is more likely that they would be interested in fortifying the forge than summarily destroying it, a conclusion supported by the type of personnel they sent here. A joint venter could benefit you, and those two traitors may be useful there as well…in whatever form they are delivered.”

So, as you say, Jahn?

Durring all of the conversation and the pursuing day Zerif is going to be Coping Documents( stealing them if need be) and mapping out the facility. Zerif is acting indifferent about what to do with the facility but is also listening to all the conversation invoking Edric Dyer and the 2 people that are from the citadel.

as far as the item goes i would really like to get a better armor seeing as how offend i get hit
Also i am unavailable on the 28th so if we desire to get together that day i will not be able to join

There is a trove of possibilities in the posts above. Hopefully everyone that has something to say prior to the next session does so. At this point I am hoping for a specific choice when it comes to the items that way we can move on and it doesn't linger. (Plotwise, it is a limited time offer specific to the forge and the Eladrin Artificer)

As for this weekend. It turns out that the obligation tli mentioned is optional. What are everyone's thoughts on gaming this Saturday?

I'm good for this weekend.

Out of curiosity, does Keyleth express any opinion on what to do with the artificers?

If no one speaks up in character asking for something, Dyer will suggest that maybe a pair of Amulets could be made. The group could then use them as needed. He'll describe an Amulet of Resolution (+3 fort, reflex, and will, daily power of rerolling a saving throw) as an option., but will add that many amulets types exist with similar powers of protection (+3 to those defenses) but different added powers (other daily powers).

Hel'll also talk about the option of forming a Golden Lion figurine or two with the power of coming to life once a day, which could be useful to the group.

Last, he's still willing to trade off the enchantment on his sword (Lifedrinker +1, kill a creature and gain 5 temp hp) and then guide the artificer in applying a new enchantment to his sword. Dyer will be still be vague about what that enchantment is when talking to others (out of character, it is a Pact Sword).

While Dyer does try to talk to Edrick alone, as well as anyone else he can get alone, he is not going to be overly concerned about others being around (expect the two other artificers, for obvious reasons). So if others hear him, he will not be worried. The possible exception to that would be talking alone with Fang, but he'll leave that to her as far as how open she is to talking. He's more concerned with making sure the two artificers are not left alone, and even more so that they are not left only together. So if Keyleth and/or Fang are not going to follow those two, he'll keep an eye on them and try to restrict them to the study where we found the female. Dyer will leave Aldos only for short periods with them, but not very long. If he is left to guarding them, Dyer will pick their brains about what was going on at the forge. He can also use that time if needed to try and figure out what else they know, while encouraging them to pack up their things in preperation for the move (knowing they'll grab anything they know is of value at the same time, and saving him the trouble). If Zerif starts trying to steal documents directly from them (or from Dyer for that matter), then I think we'll need to be to resolve what happens in person. If Zerif is just sneaking around pillaging, then Dyer will only suggest that Zerif put himself to better use liking patrolling, stripping bodies, or guarding the entrance. He really will not care too much what Zerif's up to, as to his thinking Zerif doesn't have the knowledge base to do anything more than get himself into trouble poking around (its similar to a kid wondering around a factory drawing pictures and trying to figure out what files are meaningful...he's more likely to get his hand torn off by a machine than anything else). As long as Zerif isn't being too intrusive, Dyer's mind is on other things.

Ah the wonders of what people will let you do when they think your ignorant of processes lol. Zerif is going to continue poking mapping the place out keeping track of information that is coming from the artifice perpendiculars questions she is being asked and asking and answers. Trying to get a better understanding of what information is to be had. In all this Zerif will also spend time with Fang trying to find our how she ended up here who brought her and if she remembered the root they took

As for the Item Zerif wants a Drowmesh Veteran’s Armor Level 12 he is tired of getting hit so much lol

Well, that was unexpected... lol

A few questions:

When do we play next? (2/11 is a no-go for me, Liz and Liam) Do we try and play next weekend or just wait three weeks instead of the normal two?

Where do I go from here for planning? Are you guys going to attempt to follow and/or go with Jelia to the Citadel? Maybe go to CLOUD instead? Somewhere else?

What are the party's thoughts on Erdrick? Will this PC get to stay in the group? Etc.

Who is going to volunteer for the write-up?

As for the write up...not it.

I think the next conflict I am likely to have that will prevent me from playing is either the 18th or 25th (likely just one and not both). So just let me know.

Even though Erdrick screwed the assassination attempt, Dyer has an option to get him at least partly out of the line of fire. Dyer can help cover up things up. Once the others drag Erdrick back to the camp, Dyer will immediately try to get them to head into the woods after the two artificers to "I'll watch Erdrick. Get those two back here, we can not have them running off until we know more of what happened. Get them back here, but get them back safely."

He'll then have a quick chat with Erdrick.
(oh, Drow in Eberron speak Giant...unfortantly, Dyer doesn't speak that)

Even if they don't get that chance, Dyer can make sure that Erdrick has a great chance to show off how he was being controled/influenced by some sort of mind magic or in the grip of the Mournlands when he did what he did. The chat will give him a chance to work it out more in advance, but Dyer and Erdrick can wing it if needed. The show will be for both the rest of the group as well as the artificers.

As long as Jelia doesn't seem to hold the rest of the group responsible for Erdrick's actions, and Dyer's plan works to keep the peace, then he will want to continue on toward the Citadel. It might mean that Erdrick is kept under the same kind of watch as the other two artificers until we are in civilization, but it can be done.

Dyer will give Fang and Zerif a cross look at some point, particularly if they do not immediately head off after Jalia and Marcus. In that case, he’ll add “For all we know Marcus may be dead, but he also may well be involved in this and now alone with Jalia. You two were so quick to strike at Erdick, but did you think that perhaps Marcus may have tried something foul while the rest of us were asleep? He was not hear when you awoke, was he? So go find him and Jalia, so we can sort this out!” He’ll be less cross with Keyleth and Aldos, but will still try to get them to go after the artificers.

No matter how things immediately go, Dyer will make sure that he has been standing over Erdick for some time when the two artificers come back. H will have been gliding his hands in the space above Erdick’s unconscious form and muter in one of his strange languages, concentrating. He’ll then focus on the forehead for awhile. He’ll then time it so he’s finishing up just as the others come back.

(“It is odd. There was some…taint about his mind. Not a true dominance, more a level of foreign pressure. It may have been a form of compulsion or residual taint from the Mournlands itself. It may even have present longer. I think I have exorcized it, but it is best if he is watched and the rest of us closely monitored.”

If needed, he'll support this by pointing out that if Erdick had been truely thinking clearly, that he could have easily done much more to make sure his actions were lethal. Erdick's lack of success is, in fact, a clear indication that his thinking was clouded. Dyer will also, in his typical manner, reluctantly offer that he can force his own way into Erdick’s mind and demand answers of him in his current question should Jalia or the other demand them. He will characterize this as an unpleasant experience for both Erdick and himself as it requires tapping into the very powers that drive one insane, but one that is infallible as far as producing the truth. He’ll play it coy, again as usual, and see who pushes for it and who is willing to accept his initial statement. (OCC note: Dyer’s objective in offering this is three fold. One is a test of Jalia as to what kind things she is willing to support/do. Second, it’s a means of rebuilding/validating an alliance with her (he’s been trying to build rapport with her for days and has been the most overt as far as offering her protection. Last, it can also serve as a subtle threat of what Dyer is able to do to get information if she does not stay friendly.)

If there isn't an opprotuntiy to do so earlier, Dyer will still make it clear to Zerif and Fang that they acted too hastily, no matter if they were justified in the end or not. Erdick could have been defending them and for all they knew at that moment could have been justified in his action. Besides, if he had really intended the group harm that he could have had a trap set.

I will do the write up. Expect to see it in a couple of days!


Fang looks Dyer straight in the eyes without blinking.

I told Eldrik that if he did not want to fight, to drop to the floor. It is the proper action to take when admiting innocence. But he did not. He was the one who acted hastily, attack someone under our protection without consolting the group.

Fang paces around Zerif and Dryer, growling and showing her fangs (Fang...fangs...hehe). A traitor diserves no better

Fang seems restless and continues to pace, unable to keep the growl out of her thoat.

Zerif looks down and Dyer rolling his eyes and in a low voice says " don't take me for a fool you know as well as anyone in our group if there was a danger Elderic would have woken the group. Furthermore we know his ... passion about such things would never permit letting such a thing slip thought his fingers" Zerif turns and starts waking " With that being said he did not do much harm to the group and i did so enjoy clobbering him" the smile grew across his face " His impulsiveness has gotten us into many tight spots, i would say as many spots as his ability have gotten us out of. With all that being considers he crossed a line. Not in what he did but how he did it" Zerif looks down at Fang "Things won't be as simple as going to the Citadel any more. Eldric simply cant come he made that attempt on one of there officers life's and I am just going to take a shot in the dark here that they wont take kindly to the news. Further more we have to consider the implications of Cloud finding out. This is just a mess and why i don't deal in political assassination." Zerif sighs " the only way i can see it is to split up and hope whomever is taking Elderic back dose not let him escape on them." Zerif starts walking away " Come on Fang we will probably need your help tracking down the other two besides Dyer is not foolish enough to let anything happen to himself or Elderic. Besides i am more consernd about what the Artificer is going to find out when she questions Elderic I mean its not like the Citadel would send someone completely Incompetent to do field work. Zerif makes his way back not checking to see if Fang is flowing him.

Zerif's plan is to finish accompanied them back to the Citadel and make sure things are addresses appropriately.

as for gaming i am open this weekend and up in the air about the rest