Eyes of the Lich Queen IC

[Sallera]

The morning sun perches low in the sky, still caught in Sharn's endless web of towers, and a chill spring breeze flickers through the dawn shadows as four figures converge on a building bearing the joint marks of House Ghallanda and House Thuranni. The blind seer and her mineral companion draw a few looks as they pass through the adjacent market district, but this close to Terminus, they do not stand out as much as they might elsewhere, and most of the passersby seem to consider them part of the scenery. The Sending that reached Daiya yesterday had seemed quite emphatic for a message that short, placing much importance on their presence. Well, needed they might indeed be, but no doubt more details would be welcome.

Trunk's business in the city was but a few hours concluded when the offer reached him - an opportunity not only for earnings, but the hint of a chance to protect his adopted homeland. Surely it couldn't hurt to listen. And while Grimmgang's attempts to gain support for burying the Mournland's fallen had gathered plenty of sympathy, actual funds had been much harder to come by. At least the rewards for this supposed task were concrete.

The smells of early morning in Cornerstone - grease and woodsmoke, mostly - drift through the air as you approach, nose and eyes alike guiding you to the cleanest building on the main street, where the scents are more appetizing, and accompanied by the faint strains of a lute. A perky young half-elf greets each of you cheerfully as you arrive, apparently recognizing you before you even introduce yourselves, and guides you to a second-floor room with a balcony overlooking the stage below. A varied assortment of fruits and pastries, along with a pitcher of chilled and heavily watered wine, sits atop a low table on one side of the room, and chairs are arranged near the balcony, from which the lute's player, a rather skilled halfling, can be seen in the gradually filling dining room below.

The half-elf indicates the table with a nod as she lets the last of you in. "Please, help yourselves. The breakfast is already paid for, and your contact should be here shortly. If there's anything else you need, I'll be just downstairs." She flashes you a smile and a quick bow before returning to her duties, leaving you alone to enjoy your breakfast - and the possibly questionable company of your fellow seekers.

Sheets, for quick reference:
Daiya Milkeye (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=242205)
Xaxhan (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=245022)
Grimmgang Thunderbreaker (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=244877)
Shard (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=245045)

[TekHed]

Shard gave a gentle squeeze to Daiya's hand. "Go ahead." it said indicating the sumptuous spread. She had long learned that it's kind did not eat or drink the way humanoids did.

The newcomer was a sight to behold, softly glowing skin, as hard as diamond luminesced through it's equally crystaline baroque armor. A soft ringing that seemed to float in surround sound around the room accompanied it's movement. A small crstaline cross was perched on one shoulder on four spidery legs, moving to keep it's balance as it's master moved.

An interesting bunch that had been summoned. Of course Shard was used to the odd looks and the occasional wrong kind of attention that accompanied the two wandering Knights errant. An elemental being of wood stood nearby and another of the smaller humanoids.

With a tinkling in the air, Shard walks over and addresses the two of them.

"Greetings Light. Cruciform smiles upon you. I am The Shard." it says. It had the build of a muscular man but a more androgynous face and it's voice was dual toned, both high and low at the same time. The way in which it spoke gave listeners the impression that Common was not an easy tongue for it to master.

W00t! First!

Here is Shard's armor again. Every part you see that is darker or colored in is made of a deep red ruby. The parts that are light or clear are made of a clear qurartz. The only part of the body that can be seen is the face through the helmet guard, and it is made of a blue saphire like substance. Motes and pulses of light periodicly come from inside it's body and can be seen through the semi-trasparent armor, which glows red or blue where the armor is quartz. It is luminous.

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/8892/crystalforgeconceptart.jpg

[FuryOfMetal]

His business done, Trunk sets off to answer the sending spell he recieved yesterday morning. Trunk had no idea who or what had called him, but the possibility of earning funds of favors to help his homeland was too good to pass up. He recieves no funny stares or awkward glances, indeed he appears to be like every other warforged. People assume he's currently off-shift, a condition so true for most of his stony cousins. With the war finished, his brethren have no purpose and so they take manual, repetitive jobs as they're more efficient than your average fleshforged worker.

Entering into the establishment mentioned in the message, trunk nods gratefully at the half-elf and notices the food and drinks laid out for those who come. A thoughtful gesture, typical of a house famed for hopsitality, though Trunk needs no food or drink to continue functioning. He's thankful that he gains all the nutrients he needs from the sun and the earth itself.

Noticing the interest of another soul invited by this mysterious patron, Trunk steps over to introduce himself. Greetings The Shard. You were called here to? And who is your friend here? My brothers call me Trunk, as is evident I'm sure. Trunk opens his arms wide and looks himself over, allowing others to see his makeup. Surely The Shard, you must be a cousin of mine with such a hard stony body. Is this another of our father's crazed experiments? I'm afraid I was formed with much simpler materials my friend.

Come on, I had to speak in green :smalltongue: I'm trying to find an appropriate picture for myself as all 'forged pictures i've seen don't really cut it. I tried googling Ent, but that came up a little to tree-like. Regardless, Trunk's body is formed of fine woods, altered to be tough Ironwood. There is no one single colour of brown covering his body, it's more a mix and match of brown and green hues (though some of the green appears to be moss and lichen upon closer inspection.) His face appears soft and well intentioned, as though he could never wish violence on another being. Whilst his body was once smooth and uniform like most warforged, now it's chipped, worn, gnarled and appears to be growing in some places. Life in the wilderness, sleeping amongst the leaves and plants with the weather and erosion of time altering his form slightly. This doesn't really alter his fundamental makeup or form, for as one part grows another has chipped or broken off due to daily wear and tear. His arms appear to have small vines growing around them in a continuous helix, following the joints and lines of his arms. The vines begin from somewhere deep inside the armpit and extend to the fingers, growing thinner and wiry, growing into gaps between wood fibres and knots. Over time you could notice that these vines are never in the same position each day and slowly shift to follow the sun during the day if possible.

[MoleMage]

Daiya nods without turning to her companion, then sits down in a chair and begins to eat. Her clean appearance is somewhat offset by the rather bland color of her clothing. She has her head down, and does not look at the food, though she seems to have no problem locating the choicest dishes and helping herself.

"His companion goes by the name Daiya." Daiya turns her head and pushes her hair back, blind eyes looking straight into the wooden warforged's artificial ones. "Daiya Milkeye."

With that, Daiya returns to her eating.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang paced to the building he'd been invited to, arriving at the exact time of the supposed meeting with military precision. The last months had been rough; his last raid into the Mournlands ended with a loss, both monetary and more importantly he also lost two of the few he had convinced to take the risk of entering the Mournlands. The rest of them soon disbanded afterward, and his usual gruff demeanor got darker still.
Well, this thing here hopefully gets me some new money for another try, and hopefully a favour with the involved Houses as well. So far they're all talk and no action. Not that I'm surprised.
He entered the room and when seeing his supposed company he mumbled "This better be good", under his breath, the perpetual frown on his face getting sharper for a moment. The rough edges of his face - at least what was visible under his dirty blond beard parted in the middle - showed no friendlyness when he approached the others. A dark grey cloak hid most of his other features, and a watchful eye might notice the cloak is of a reversible kind, green on the inside, clearly to provide camouflage for multiple kinds of terrain.
"Name's Grimmgang", he simply said while taking a seat and helping himself to some food while studying the others from the corners of his eyes. The one - or two? - Warforged worried him; while he was used to their company from the War, after the Treaty of Thronehold most of his encounters with the Forged were of an unfriendly nature. The Lord of Blades was in conflict with house Cannith he worked for a while ago, and it seemed he got notice of Grimmgangs raids into his self-proclaimed territory, judging from the ambush they ran into last time. But these two seemed quite unusual for their kind.
The human woman caught his eye next. She was obviously blind, but in his military days he had seen many humans stumble through the dark of night more or less skilled, and this woman was different, her movements betrayed and amazing awareness of her surroundings.
Shoving a last morsel of food into his mouth, he said "So we be the people they contacted for a job? Must the something exotic, judging from this cabinet of curiosities."

[FuryOfMetal]

Surveying the newcomer, Trunk was impressed. This Grimmgang seemed prepared for whatever lay before him, with such a wide array of items hanging from his body. However he possessed a tired look in his eye. The look of a man who's been playing the odds for too long, been flaunting death and living on the ragged edge but gaining very little in return. It saddens Trunk to see a soul this way. This was obviously someone who'd seen their share of hardships.

The female human, Daiya, was much harder to get a feel for. She appeared to hav the milky eyes and blank stare of the blind, yet she moved with such precision. Was she a bat? Maybe she relied on some sorcery. Regardless, it was amazing the way she continued to function like any normal human. Trunk made a mental note to ask her about her condition some time.

Greetings Daiya, Grimmgang. Have you seen anybody else that looks like the kind of person summoned to these occasions? If not then it looks like we have a highly specialised band of sorts. I'm sure we all have our own skills and talents. I for one am an emissary of Q'Barra, looking to protect from enemies from outside and within. But first and foremost I am an agent of nature herself, sent to reduce suffering and restore balance wherever I see the need.
Is everybody in their armor or something else? I'm wearing a formal robe, having just come from a meeting.

[MoleMage]

Daiya is wearing a chain shirt, having just got in from the road.

Daiya finishes her meal and sits up straight. "I don't remember. Shard, did the messenger mention how many people would be joining us?"

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang is wearing his chain shirt made of dull steel beneath his cloak. Since he wears the cloak halfway open the shirt is visible

"I am a tracker and military scout, specializing in underground environments. I also know my way around a battlefield or skirmish", the dwarf answered Trunks question. It was no coincidence he chose these words instead of 'fight'; he still thought in military terms years after the war ended.
"I hope you're not applying that whole 'reduce suffering' deal to everyone out there. Chances are, when they're looking for a band of sellswords things will get ugly. It always is."

[Sallera]

The faint sound of footsteps in the hall outside alerts you to the approach of another, moments before the door opens again to admit a tall, middle-aged human. He wears a long, open coat of faded purple with silver buckles over a tailored outfit in muted tones, and carries himself with a clear sense of confidence and purpose. His dark hair is short and streaked with grey, but his neatly-trimmed goatee is still untouched by the colours of age. Although his expression is currently fairly cheerful, his features are somewhat severe.

"Greetings! I am glad to see you have all responded to my invitation. I hope you are satisfied with my choice of meeting place; this hostel was recommended to me, but I have never visited."

"Now, to business. My name is Sur'kil. I am what you might call an independent researcher, and I have recently uncovered hints and rumours of an ancient site dating back to the so-called Age of Demons. I would like to employ you to investigate this location, and to retrieve a relic that I believe might yet remain there."

"This task is not without some degree of danger, which is why I require your services. You each possess skills and knowledge that will aid in this matter, and I believe that between the four of you, you will be quite capable of resolving the matter. The location, while nominally still in Khorvaire," he nods to Trunk, "is somewhat remote, and so I would like to procure your services for a period of at least four weeks. You will have free choice of any treasure found at the site with the exception of the relics I seek, for which you will be rewarded in full. I can offer you each a base fee of 250 gold pieces per week, and I will cover travel expenses. I will also provide some of the money up front, to help you prepare for the journey."

"Now then," he adds, plucking a few berries from the breakfast table, "I'm sure you might have a few questions, so ask away."

[FuryOfMetal]

250g a week! This man Sur'Kil must have some power to throw around. Trunk thinks for moment to gather his thoughts. Noticing the gesture, Trunk asks By nominally in Khorvaire do you mean Q'Barra? Or more specifically New Galifar? I come from that region and am familiar with it's people. I live in a small enclave just outside of Newthrone, the capital of the area. I haven't explored other towns and cities in the area but Newthrone is my home and I know it well.

Remembering the task at hand, Trunk stops his rambling and steers back to the relic. So you'll provide transport for us, which is very generous, but will we have a map directing us to temple ruins or a cave system? Also we'll need more information about the Relics themselves so we don't accidently take it as our own amongst the other items and treasure.

[MoleMage]

"First, tell me what purpose these relics he wants serve. I'm not going to go rushing off to fetch an urn that'll summon a fiend. Second, what compensation besides travel expenses will we expect? You're willing to pay an awful lot to get us there. Whatever these relics are they're pretty important."

Though it's starting to become familiar to the newcomers that Daiya generally doesn't look at the person she's talking too, it still comes across as unsettling.

"If you answer these questions in a way that I find satisfactory, I will assure you that my...overeager companion does not take anything you wanted yourself."

[TheFallenOne]

So this 'ancient site' will be some kind of cave or underground base, that explains my presence. I wonder why the others are here, I still can't get a clear reading regarding their abilities.

"Suppose you send us on an impossible goose chase. If the trinket you want isn't where you tell us it is - never was, destroyed or plundered by someone else long ago - what will our compensation be then?"
After all other questions were answered, Grimmgang spoke up again. "And one more thing - this wouldn't be the first time someone sends me hunting for an artifact while another, powerful group is also looking for the same thing. So if there is such a group I'd prefer you tell us now to avoid nasty surprises. And if not, some intel what kind of dangers we run into would be helpful. Constructs, undead, goblins that took over the location we're searching - it makes a big difference in preparation."

[Sallera]

Sur'kil nods. "The location is indeed in Q'Barra, and I will provide you with all you need to find it, but I would rather not speak of the specifics here; pleasant as these open balconies may be, I cannot discount the possibility that some itinerant treasure hunter may overhear. As far as I know, I am the only one that has discovered this location, so rival hunters should not be an issue as long as we are cautious."

"The location itself is likely to be guarded by native tribes and wildlife, neither of which is expected to be friendly. The exact nature of the relics I expect to be present is uncertain; they could be tablets, works of art, or ancient symbols of rule, but their value is in the information they might reveal about the time; I do not expect them to hold any great power. The exact amount of your compensation will vary depending on what you find, but I have several thousand gold set aside for the acquisition of artifacts of this nature. If you find nothing, I will, of course, still pay you the agreed fee for your time, and you will still have whatever other treasure you manage to recover, but my research indicates that this site has lain undisturbed for a great period of time, and even the locals are unaware of its existence."

[FuryOfMetal]

Shall we go somewhere mroe discreet to discuss the nature of our employment then? Trunk gestures at a side booth. Or do you have somewhere more private in mind? Still it troubles me you don't know the exact nature of what we're looking for, we could overlook it entirely. Atleast we know it's an item holding historical information, that narrows it down.

Trunk shuffles momentarily, weary to say anything too aggressive or offensive. Still, Daiya's concerns have not yet been answered. We don't know if you're looking for information to summon or bind a demon or anything else of a sinister nature. Do you bear the seal and intent of a dragonmarked house? Thuranni or Phiarlan maybe. It's no secret amongst those in the know that they are trafickers of information at the very least.

[Sallera]

"The only thing I wish to keep secret until we are well on our way is the exact location of the site. You need have no worries about being able to locate it. There will be other clues about the relics' nature; I believe I have uncovered evidence of the existence of a certain room which is likely to hold what you will be seeking."

Sur'kil's expression grows solemn, and his voice softens slightly. "I am a member of no house; my research is wholly independent. I can give you only my word that I intend no harm to anyone by it."

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang nodded. "As far as I'm concerned, you got yourself a deal. Tell me more about those 'tribes' and when and by whom that site we're searching was built. I assume you chose me as tracker and pathfinder, so the more I know about the terrain we're entering the better."

Knowledge Dungeoneering to learn something about the nature of the place we're searching from what he tells me(building style, probable size, likely state and stability of the place given the time it has been unattended etc) [roll0] seems I'm off to a good start :smallsigh:

[MoleMage]

Daiya casts Detect Thoughts as we are walking and listens to the mans surface thoughts as he is speaking about the artifacts. This is to give a bonus on this Sense Motive roll: [roll0]

"I'll hold you to that word, Sur'kil. If I find anything amiss with these relics," Daiya pauses for dramatic effect, "and believe me, I can find out a lot more than you'd think..." Daiya leaves the threat hanging, though she pointedly checks her sword grip.

[TekHed]

Shard -never- removes his full plate Ruby deep-crystal full plate armor. It is for all intents as much a part of it's body as a warforged feat.



Noticing the interest of another soul invited by this mysterious patron, Trunk steps over to introduce himself. Greetings The Shard. You were called here to? And who is your friend here? My brothers call me Trunk, as is evident I'm sure. Trunk opens his arms wide and looks himself over, allowing others to see his makeup. Surely The Shard, you must be a cousin of mine with such a hard stony body. Is this another of our father's crazed experiments? I'm afraid I was formed with much simpler materials my friend.


"We are all cousins in this life and the next." Shard says crypticly in that beautiful yet unnerving dual-toned voice. It is from the Source that consciousness arises, and shall return to."



"I'll hold you to that word, Sur'kil. If I find anything amiss with these relics," Daiya pauses for dramatic effect, "and believe me, I can find out a lot more than you'd think..." Daiya leaves the threat hanging, though she pointedly checks her sword grip.

The Shard rests a gentle reassuring palm upon it's companion's shoulder. Despite it's mineral makeup, it's diamond hard "skin" is warm to the touch, and where it touches her, motes of color and light move toward the point of contact within it's crystal body.

"I trust Daiya's judgement in this matter. Please, do not take offense at her caution. We have had dealings in the past with less than..." it pauses, struggling to find the corect word. "Forthright...individuals. Please, Circle, tell us of how you have come into such secret knowledge, such that only you are aware of the site. Where did you discover the hints and whereabouts of it's location, and may we also see this information? What knowledge is it that you seek, specifically, and would you like to accompany us to the site directly? I am sure such worthy individuals will serve to keep you safe from the perils of the surface."

[Sallera]

"The tribes are lizardfolk of the more aggressive varieties; blackscales and poison dusk. They are rarely friendly to outsiders, considering the settlers of New Galifar and the refugees to be intruders on their traditional holy places. I have additional information about the site itself and its builders, but I will give that to you once we are well underway. You will still have time to prepare, that I promise you."

"I do not mind. Suspicion is a natural instinct. The trail that led me to the potential existence of this site was a long one, the product of several years of research, and even I could not tell you how the knowledge was eventually put together; too much conjecture was involved. The end result, however, seems to be sound. As to its secrecy, I do not know whether it was intentionally hidden or simply lost to time; the site is very, very old. If intact, even partially, I trust that whatever it holds will be worth the price of hiring you all."

"I will accompany you as far as our destination port, and provide you with a pair of sending stones in the event that you need to contact me whilst at the site."

Daiya:You don't manage to catch any of his thoughts, but he seems sincere.

[FuryOfMetal]

"We are all cousins in this life and the next." Shard says crypticly in that beautiful yet unnerving dual-toned voice. It is from the Source that consciousness arises, and shall return to."


Happy to have another such as himself onboard, Trunk smiles. I thought you and I were brothers, this is a great day. But where were you born? Who did you serve under?

Trunk listens intently to Sur'Kil, nodding at the mention of the lizardfolk. I have worked with the Lizardfolk before on behalf of New Galifar. Though diplomacy hasn't been reached with all the tribes of Q'Barra, i do carry the respect of many of the smaller tribes. It remains to be seen if I've made contact with any in the area.

Nature has probably taken over the site by this time, as it cradles us all within it's embrace. Trunk bows his head for a moment, thinking. But You seem like the trustworthy sort, you're willing to come with us for most of our journey. I doubt any would be betrayer would place himself so close to those he attempts to double-cross, especially when he has knowingly hired those able to defend themselves.

I'll roll sense motive, just incase. [roll0]. Also Tek i like how you called him Circle, nice touch.

Sallera i noticed i had skillpoints in ride as i intended to have a larger animal companion. But now i have my awesome robot dog i juggled those points into speak languages to learn draconic and sylvan. Draconic is the language lizardfolk speak, so i really need that to fit my backstory of a semi-ambassador with lizardfolk.

[Sallera]

Sur'kil smiles warmly. "Indeed. The blackscales and poison dusks have been very resistant so far to any overtures by the settlers, but I expect you will be able to avoid conflict with any of the other tribes in the area."

Removing four heavy, nondescript pouches from his bag, Sur'kil hands one to each of you. "Two hundred gold up front, to allow you to make any additional preparations you feel necessary. If you are all satisfied with the current arrangement, we will leave on the lightning rail for Korranberg, where I have arranged for further transport, this afternoon."

Trunk:He seems sincere.

[FuryOfMetal]

Please, lead the way then. Trunk is satisfied that Sur'Kil is honest, however he'd rather keep him ahead in sight. And of course because Trunk doesn't know his way around Sharn.

Just before leaving, Trunk thanks any nearby waiter/waitressand compliments them on their kind service. He leaves a few silvers in a bowl for donations and or tips.

Sur'Kil, will you be needing to do any quick research in Korranberg or are we just passing through? I imagine the wealth of knowledge held there must be a boon to any researcher such as yourself.

I don't think I need to buy anything. Bring on the lightning rail!

[MoleMage]

"You have my services then." says Daiya, accepting her pouch. "Show us what you need to show us and we will be on our way."

Also don't need to purchase anything.

[TekHed]

Happy to have another such as himself onboard, Trunk smiles. I thought you and I were brothers, this is a great day. But where were you born? Who did you serve under?


"I am of the Cruciform...a Shard of the Light. I was sent here from the Cathedral, from whence I emerged. I serve a greater purpose...though I do not as yet understand what that may be..."

"It is good to be...brothers?"

Shard smiles from inside it's great helm.


Removing four heavy, nondescript pouches from his bag, Sur'kil hands one to each of you. "Two hundred gold up front, to allow you to make any additional preparations you feel necessary. If you are all satisfied with the current arrangement, we will leave on the lightning rail for Korranberg, where I have arranged for further transport, this afternoon."

Shard allows Daiya to take his purse as well. Money means very little to it and she is usually the one purchasing food and supplies.

"I have all I require, and now more, with new friends. Please show us the way Circle."

[Sallera]

The journey to Adderport lasts just over a week. After the lightning rail leaves you in Korranberg, Sur'kil brings you to a Lyrandar galleon, and you set sail for Q'Barra. Once you are safely at sea, Sur'kil finally elaborates on your destination.

"I apologize for leaving this for so long, but as Grimmgang said, competition for a site of potential treasure can be rather unpleasant. The location you will be surveying is in the jungles of the Q’barran peninsula, to the south of the great volcano of Haka’torvhak. From Adderport, you will have a five-day trek inland to the site of the Temple of Kha’shazul. This temple is your destination and the site of the relics you seek."

"The temple is now used by a tribe of lizardfolk worshipers of some half-fiend dragon god. From what I understand, they demand tribute from other lizardfolk tribes in the region, so I would expect them to be armed and capable. However, the temple and its inhabitants are merely an obstacle. I believe that the Temple of Kha’shazul hides a deeper secret, one unknown even to the current inhabitants. My research indicates the temple occupies a place where an ancient demon was cast down. Such places were guarded, in legend, by half-dragon beasts. Somewhere beneath that temple, I believe that the crypt of one such ancient creature lies. That is where I expect you will find the relics."

Sur'kil hands you a map indicating trails and landmarks you can use to make your way to the temple, along with a small box containing five vials and two inscribed stones. "These are antitoxin; the poison dusk lizardfolk frequently live up to their name, and I imagine you will find these quite useful. The others are sending stones; please use them to contact me once you have found the relics, or if you find yourselves unable to progress further."

[TheFallenOne]

"I hope you are sure those half-dragon guards and the demon are distinct from that fiend dragon the lizards worship. Things would get nasty if we try to disturb what they consider a holy site", Grimmgang said gravely.
"Well, if they are unaware of the demon prison below it means that the entrance is either hidden, well secured or lost to a cave in. We should bring some spades and pick-axes just in case, given the age of the site natural obstacles aren't unlikely. I doubt is was kept in good repair the whole time.
And since you picked us for our abilities, I hope one of us here knows how to deal with demons. If the entrance to the prison is hard to reach there may be a reason for that. I can deal with lizardfolk and many other things, but 'ancient demons' and 'half dragon beasts' weren't part of the deal. Legend or not, some truth there must be to it, otherwise you wouldn't bother looking for treasure here." Grimmgangs eyes narrowed, and though by now it has become apparent that he is constantly in a mood between disgruntled and sullen, it was clear that he was quite displeased by this revelation.

[MoleMage]

"Demons? Shard is an expert. And I know a thing or two myself. We'll be able to handle demons. And if it gets dark, well that's not a problem to me."

Daiya chuckles.

"We should be on our way as soon as possible then."

[FuryOfMetal]

Demons! There have been foul demons and abominations in my home land for aeons and nobody knew. This must be stopped before anybody comes to harm.

That's a very good idea Grimmgang, digging equipment would be useful. I understand you're quite competant underground, would you know how best to handle such tools? As far our resident demon, I had no idea such an evil lay beneath Q'Barra. This danger must be verified and checked out. I will not allow such a foul beast to reside within my borders. Also I have no need for the antitoxin, so it would go to much better use on others.

Trunk looks at the looming silhouette of Adderport, anxious to get this journey underway and to protect his adopted homeland.

[Sallera]

Sur'kil nods, gesturing toward the port as the galleon carries you toward the coast. "I wish you luck; I'm sure you will prevail. I will await news here in the port." Adderport is not an especially large town, but as the destination for much of Q'Barra's trade, it is rarely difficult to find what you seek, here, and you have no difficulty procuring the digging equipment and anything else you require.

The journey to the temple takes you first along the coast toward Newthrone, but halfway there you turn into the jungle, and the travel becomes rather more unpleasant, at least for the non-Treeforged in the party. Whirling clouds of insects are common even at midday, lurking in the shade provided by the overgrown foliage, and the hot, humid air breeds a lethargic ambience that seems to infect even the birds. The non-insect wildlife, at least, does not seem especially hostile, and after a day and a half of walking, it is almost a welcome relief from tedium when you round yet another corner and find yourselves facing a well-armed lizardfolk standing somewhat surprised in the middle of the path. He eyes you warily, although you think you catch a slight flicker of uncertainty in his expression when Trunk rounds the corner, and motions to another half-dozen lizardfolk behind him. Two of the latter are wounded, but walking, and none of them make any move, seemingly waiting to find out what will happen.

[TekHed]

Upon seeing the Lizardfolk react to Trunk, Shard comes closer and speaks softly.

"You have relations with these mm...reptiles? If it should aid, please tell them I can heal."

[FuryOfMetal]

Whisper back Trunk saysDon't worry, I've met with these before. They seem more concerned with transporting their wounded. Besides, my healing powers are probably more potent than yours though the help is appreciated brother.

Stepping forward slowly with his arms raised, Trunk speaks in draconic to the Lizardfolk. Morning, may Semuanya smile upon our meeting. Me and my companions are travelling north, have we stumbled into your territory? I believe I've met with your chieftain before, High Chieftain Lavtask. I understand he holds alot of sway within this area. I notice two of your party are injured, would you permit me to heal them? We mean you no harm, my friends come with the same friendly intentions as I do.

I can roll diplomacy if you want. I'd rather not do it now, cos if i roll badly you might decide to want me to roll knowing i did bad :smalltongue:

[MoleMage]

Using a quiet tone, Daiya addresses Shard in Celestial.

"Do you know what he is saying to them? They don't exactly seem hostile, but..."

Tremorsense/Blindsense 30 ft getting any more lizards in the trees? Or Scent?

[Sallera]

The leader seems to relax slightly, although he still holds himself in readiness. He replies in Draconic. "<Hrm, thought I recognize your kind. Strange, to see you out here. But grateful for assistance.>" All the lizardfolk watch you closely as you approach, their bright black eyes offering an almost unnatural clarity to their unwavering gaze.

Daiya:Just the ones in front of you.

[TekHed]

Replying in kind Shard whispers.

"I do not understand his speech, but it seems civil enough. I do not believe we are in any immediate danger, at least from these folk. We should still be alert to other dangers that may be present in the jungle. Can you sense anything?"

[FuryOfMetal]

(Still speaking in draconic) I'm going to reach into my pack and get an item to heal your wounded. Slowly pulling the haversack from his shoulders, Trunk reaches in for the Lesser Vigor Wand. He doesn't break eye contact with the apparent leader and gestures to go heal his injured.

Does anybody else need healing? I'd be happy to help.

I expend 1 charge on each of those who need healing. If they still look beat up and damaged i'll expend another on the more serious cases.

Share the love and it migh share it back :smallsmile:

[MoleMage]

<"No, there are no others. Or if there are, they are stiller than trees and quieter than a dead man. I think these creatures mean no harm; the first thing they did was draw their hidden into the open. A sign of good faith, if you will."> Daiya answers still in Celestial.

[Sallera]

The two injured bow in thanks as their wounds close, but none of the lizardfolk alter their wary posture - perhaps it is simply their natural mien. The leader addresses you again, inclining his head slightly. "<Cold Sun tribes accept trees who walk, and thank you for aid. But you should not continue far in that direction. Blackscale and poison dusk not friendly to anyone but own kind.>"

[TheFallenOne]

"Aye, I know how to handle digging and reinforcing tunnels", Grimmgang answered Trunk. "Though I'll need manpower - I guess you and Shard should be enough help - and some sturdy wooden beams if we need to support a ramshackle corridor. I guess none of you happens to have a bag of holding with them?"

On their long walk to the temple, Grimmgang led the way; while he was most competent underground, he knew his way around the surface as well and how to avoid hazards. Except the vermin it seemed; every now and then a dwarven curse ad a smack could be heard.

When they met the lizardfolk, Grimmgang was about to reach for his weapon, but held his hand when Trunk started to talk with them. Once everybody was engaged in conversation in one exotic language or the other, he sighed for all to hear, but his words were mumbled. "Dol Arras mutton chops, why am I always with guys who've seen more language classes than battles. <dwarven expletive expletive-ing expletive>"

reminds me of Shadows of the Last War. Rest of group was an artificer, a rogue/cleric, a sorcerer and a sorcerer/warlock. Yes, my scout had to be meatshield

DM: "Roll knowledge arcane if you have it"
*four people roll a d20*
DM: "Anyone speak draconic?"
"Yes" "Yes" "Yes" "Yes"
Me: Son of a...!

[MoleMage]

"Ah, my gruff friend, when the battle is engaged I'll show you that this sword on my back isn't just for show. However, it would seem that our friend Trunk here has struck some sort of accord with these lizardfolk. Either that or he's far too kind for his own good."

Turning a blind gaze on the lizardfolk leader, Daiya asks,
"Do you speak the common tongue? What is your name?"

[Sallera]

The leader turns to study the rest of you when Daiya speaks up. "Hrm. Speak common some. Name Kristach."

[FuryOfMetal]

Ah we'll use common then. Thank you for the advice Kristach. We'll try to avoid them as we head through the forest. Give your chieftain my regards, may Cold Sun prosper and survive for many generations.

Reverting back to draconic for a moment, Trunk quickly asks What are the names of the poisondusk and blackscale lizardfolk tribes? Who are their leaders?

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang bit his tongue when Trunk reverted to draconic; Daiya was right that he seemed to get through this well enough and he wasn't eager to start a senseless fight. If these lizards were friendly, they at least had a fallback point. He waited for Trunk to get through this and hoped for the best.

[Sallera]

"<Tkh... not know if they use name for tribes. They follow young children of Rhashaak at Temple of Kha'shazul, and demand tribute from all who live nearby.>" Kristach turns his head briefly to glare back the way they came. "<Thieving blackscales take armaekrixner, our tribal spear passed from leader to heir. Threaten to destroy tribes that do not pay tribute.">

[FuryOfMetal]

<Ok, thank you. If we come across your spear I promise to bring it back to you. Safe travels back to the Cold Sun.> Bowing his head to the Lizardfolk, Trunk turns back to his companions. It's ok, we're free to pass through. Also I'm going to try and help them with the rival Lizardfolk problems if possible. Also there are these Children of Rhashaak. I don't know what they are or who they are but they sound dangerous. We should watch out for them as we approach the temple.

[TekHed]

"Perhaps it is a reference to the cult currently using temple?" Shard had switched back to common.

"Please ask how far from temple." he said, obviously indicating the lizardfolk.

[FuryOfMetal]

<How many days travel are we from this temple?>

I honestly don't know Shard, it could range from temple guards to their chieftains to a God. I hope it isn't based around this imprisoned demon, I'd rather they didn't find that.

[MoleMage]

"If it is this imprisoned demon, he'd have destroyed them as soon as he was released. Kristach, is there any way we can show our peaceful intentions to others of your tribe? We don't want to have to fight anyone we don't have to."

Gesturing to Trunk, Daiya indicates that he should help translate this last part, in case the lizardfolk's Common wasn't good enough to understand the question.

[Sallera]

"<Hrm. Three days of walking. Maybe little more, for outsiders. If you stop near temple, turn north off path twenty paces past broken tree that makes frame over path. Small ravine there, make good campsite. Can't see from above. Not know if children of Rhashaak hunt for selves, but better hidden than dead.>" Kristach opens his mouth slightly in something vaguely resembling a grin.

"Trees that walk are known to us. Other Cold Sun around here not go hunting trouble. Have enough already with blackscales."

[FuryOfMetal]

That's definitely a possibility Daiya, but we must also consider the possibility that it took the Lizardfolk as thralls, willing or otherwise. A demon is a powerful thing, but surely a demon with followers is better? Trunk thinks on this for a moment, before shaking his head. This journey probably won't end well at this rate.

Turning back to Kristach Trunk says Thank you Kristach. I have always known your tribe to be kind. That sounds like the best camp site we can find given the circumstances. Gesturing at everybody assembled, Trunk asks If there's nothing else anybody needs to know we should be on our way.

I'm sure anything else can be handled in common.

[Sallera]

The lizardfolk bid you farewell, heading for home while you continue further into the jungle. The next three days are hot, wet, and generally unpleasant, and it is almost a relief when you step around a massive tree and see the path widening ahead of you - almost, but not quite, as Grimmgang spots a pair of lizardfolk, half the size of the ones you met earlier, on either side of the path. Their mottled skin blends in almost perfectly with the undergrowth, and each carefully raises a small bow in your direction as you approach, arrows already nocked.

I've always found combat easier with a map, and since the module so kindly provides them already, they just take a little tinkering to be usable. If everyone would rather run combat with a little less structure, we can do away with them, though.

Roll initiative and post your first turns; no need to wait on order, I'll deal with that when I resolve the round. The party starts in the F13-G16 area, in whatever order you'd be traveling in.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map1.png
The dark green areas are undergrowth, providing +2AC, +1 Reflex, and concealment, and act as difficult terrain.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[FuryOfMetal]

I'm currently in G15 I reckon. initiative [roll0]....forgot i had a negative modifier :smallfrown: :edit: Though I obviously rolled well for it.

I assume these are poisondusk lizardfolk and that diplomacy isn't an option :smallamused: [roll1] for knowledge nature.

I spend my round casting bears endurance on Shard as he's gonna charge in. Then I move into the trees ready to wildshape on my next turn.

If Shard comes before me though he probably won't spend his turn waiting for a buff, so i'll move into the trees and wildshape this turn into an Eagle.

[MoleMage]

I'll start out in G13 (presumably next to Shard in F13), and move straight up the path for 30ft (G7) before casting Obscuring Mist. Drawing my sword as I do this.
Initiative:
[roll0]

[TheFallenOne]

"Two lizard archers, left and right ahead! Be careful, there may be more of them around here. Don't get boxed in in the open path!" Grimmgang shouted as he spotted the lizards ambushing them.
Making a break for the closest lizard to take it out fast, he drew his purple-glimmering axe in full move and swung it at the lizard in a diagonal cut, then, using the momentum of his move, he slammed his body against his enemy with brute force as it tried to dodge the obvious axe attack, attempting to pierce the scaled flesh with his armor spikes.

Initiative [roll0]

I'll obviously lead the way, so I start in F13

Move to D9. As part of move draw axe
Wolf Fang Strike
Axe [roll1] Damage [roll2] + [roll3] Skirmish
Armor Spikes [roll4] Damage [roll5] + [roll6] Skirmish

If he provokes an AoO with movement or an ranged attack(no 5 foot step in difficult terrain after all) disarm attempt
[roll7] +4 size

edit: Hunters Sense is active
edit2: I'm so used to 40 feet movement, I'll only make it to D10. Everything else the same

[TekHed]

Raising his sword and suddenly glowing with light, a glowing translucent crystaline shield with a face similar to the one on Shard's pauldron appears floating in the air in front of him. It moves with him as he charges forward to aid his allies.


Initiative: [roll0] Assuming tactics were discussed with Trunk so defer action until Buffed.
Current Con: 20. Current HPs: 35+8 from Bear's Endurance.
Currently in Stance: Iron Guard's Glare
Spending 1 PP to manifest Force Screen: 40 turns remaining.
8+2 PP remaining.
Current AC: 27
Move from F14 to D10, Threatened Lizardfolk takes -4 to attack rolls unless attacking Shard and is aware of this fact.
Spells prepared listed on sheet: Summon Monster 1, Bless, Truestrike

[Sallera]

As the combatants' hands move toward their weapons, a loud snap heralds an arrow from ahead, as a third lizardfolk fails to keep clear enough of the foliage while shooting. As Trunk steps off the path, the other two archers release a volley of arrows at the party, distributing their shots evenly - poor tactics, save in a few situations. Grimmgang's axe whistles a hair's breadth past the archer's head, showering it in woodchips from the massive tree, and the spikes of his armour slam into nothing but hanging foliage as the lizard shifts its body to the side, holding perfectly still and briefly vanishing amidst the leaves.

The remaining two raise their bows against Daiya as she approaches, only to find themselves facing a wall of grey as the mist swirls into place. Cut off from sight of his fellows, the nearest archer looks rather uncertain about his chances as he finds himself facing Grimmgang and Shard together, and his hand twitches toward his belt.

Everyone's flatfooted for these, except Trunk.
Attack on Grimmgang: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + poison (DC16 fort, [roll2] str damage on failure)
Attack on Grimmgang: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] + poison (DC16 fort, [roll5] str damage on failure)
Attack on Daiya: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7] + poison (DC16 fort, [roll8] str damage on failure)
Attack on Shard (has cover): [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]
Attack on Trunk: [roll11]
Concealment (miss on 1): [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]

Trunk, humanoids actually fall under Knowledge: Local. Also, don't forget Drasil. :smalltongue:

Initiative order: Far lizard: 21
Trunk: 18
Near lizards: 17
Grimmgang: 16
Daiya: 14
Shard: 11

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map1-1.png

[TheFallenOne]

well, I have Uncanny Dodge, but 26 hits regardless
take 2 damage, 3 absorbed by Iron Ward crystal
Save vs poison [roll0]

a 19 and 21 missed without cover? :smallconfused: tough little buggers

[TekHed]

If Grimgang moved to D10 instead of D9 as he posted in his first action post, then Shard would have had enough movement to make it to D9, threatening the lizardman for the purposes of Iron Guard's Glare.

[MoleMage]

Fort Save (by a wide margin my worst)
Charge to J7, attack the lizard with my +1 Bastard Sword [roll1] Damage [roll2]
Concealment chances, half normal and both have to fail 25% since she's blind so both of the following should have to be 25 or less to miss [roll3][roll]1d100

The sound of Daiya crying in pain can be heard from the newly formed mist cloud, followed by a cry of anger.

"Let's see how you like not being able to see, lizard!"

[MoleMage]

Stupid dice tags. Here's the second miss chance from blind-fight [roll0] and I do one less damage because of the strength poison.

[TheFallenOne]

Turn 2?

Move to D8 by way of E9 to avoid AoO
Mountain Hammer
Attack
Damage [roll]1d10+2d6+4 + [roll1] skirmish

[TheFallenOne]

hm, do different dice in the same roll not work?
[roll0] + [roll1] +5

[TekHed]

The Shard pulses with light again, bathing the local area in flickering hues of red and blue.



Round 2:

Maneuver: [roll0] Add: Charging Minotaur to readied maneuvers.

Cast Truestrike Defensively, hold position or move to keep threatening the lizardfolk if it moves.

[FuryOfMetal]

Drasil! Assist Daiya! Drasil bounds forwards and stops next to Daiya, then spying the lizardfolk in the tree she runs towards it, intent on taking it down.
I always forget about familiars and companions, even when I put lots of effort into them xD

Initiative: [roll0]
Drasil double moves up to F4. Will she have to climb the tree to get at it?

Taking in the current situation, Trunk decides to take on the aspect of the leopard, a ferocious beast.

Trunk moves to K10 and then wildshapes into a leopard. MM1, page 274. Would you like me to make statblocks for the 4 animals I'll be using or shall I quote the location of the animal?

[Sallera]

Trunk struggles through the undergrowth, stopping to take on a form more appropriate for the situation. Drasil crosses the mist, but finds no one waiting on the other side - until the lizard reveals itself from the opposite side of the tree, snapping off an arrow. The other archer fires blindly at the spot he last saw Daiya, before being interrupted by a cut down his arm as the blind warrior closes in.

Grimmgang slams his opponent into the tree before it can do anything with the length of reed it reached for, nearly bisecting the unfortunate lizard, who falls to the ground in a slump in the shifting lights of Shard's spell.

Drasil takes a readied shot from the hidden archer, and Daiya two blind shots from the other, so these are all against flat-footed again.
Attack on Drasil: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Attack on Daiya: [roll2]
Concealment (miss on 1): [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] + poison (DC16 Fort, [roll5] strength damage on failure)
Attack on Daiya: [roll6]
Concealment (miss on 1): [roll7]
Damage: [roll8] + poison (DC16 Fort, [roll9] strength damage on failure)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map1-2.png

[FuryOfMetal]

Trunk charges in his leopard form, jumping and maiming the lizardfolk infront of him...hopefully.
Bite[roll0] [roll1]
If I hit I get to make a graple attempt without provoking an AoO.
Grapple [roll2]
If I grapple, 2 rakes [roll3] [roll4] [roll5] [roll6]


Drasil attacks the adjacent lizardfolk.
[roll7] [roll8]

[TekHed]

Seeing the current foe being faced defeated, Shard moves to help Trunk's wooden familiar. He moves through the underbrush toward his foe, bringing his mighty greatsword to bear...


Round 3:
New Maneuver Readied: [roll0] Douse the FlamesMove to C4.
Vanguard Strike Against Lizardman. If successful allies get +4 to Strike with both melee and ranged until my next turn.
Lizardfolk is now threatened and takes a -4 to all attack rolls unless directed at Shard.
Attack Roll [Truestrike]: [roll1] Damn! 1 off from being a threat... bah!
Damage: [roll2]

[MoleMage]

You hear Daiya howl again, followed by the thumping sound of something getting hit by a sword.

Fort
[roll0]

Attack the lizard in front of me
[roll1]

Damage
[roll2]

[TheFallenOne]

After pulling his axe from the maimed lizard with a wet splotch, Grimmgang surveyed the battlefield for a short second. The lizard to the north was engaged, and while the fog prevented him from seeing the other one, the sounds of battle coming from the side told him enough.
"Better block their retreat route, we don't want any getting away", he whispered, moving to the north at full speed and surrounding the lizard there.
"We got him from three sides, try to take him alive if you can!"

Double move to D3
This includes a DC10 jump(autosucceed) and a Swift for Extreme leap to get extra movement
Scent 30 feet active if there are more of them

[Sallera]

The final archer pulls a length of reed from his belt, ignoring the wooden teeth that sink into his wrist as he does so, and begins spinning it above his head, the instrument beginning a whistling cry that echoes through the forest, the pitch modulating as the lizardfolk alters the speed of its spin. Grimmgang and Shard surround him, but he ignores them, focused on his task. The other manages to dodge Trunk's teeth, but this only buys him a second for one final desperate slash before Daiya's blade opens his chest from collarbone to thigh.

Claw attack at Daiya: [roll0]
Concealment (miss on 1): [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Shard, you don't have enough movement to reach him through the jungle terrain and still attack. Shard, Grimmgang, and Drasil each get an AoO this round as the archer attempts to complete his signal, though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map1-3.png

[TheFallenOne]

"It's a signal, stop him!" As the lizard was distracted with this strange instrument, Grimmgang got in close, grabbing him to stop his motions.

AoO used for grapple attempt
[roll0] vs touch AC
Miss chance [roll1]
Opposed Grapple [roll2] +4 size

if successful this should prevent him from making the motions to make the signal.

[TheFallenOne]

damn low touch roll... That is worth an action point, I don't want that guy succeeding with the signal
[roll0] bonus on attack vs touch(11 currently). Come on...
Turn will of course depend on whether I start the grapple or not

[Sallera]

Grimmgang bulls into the lizardfolk, pinning its arms, and the whistle cuts off before it can finish as the string is tangled around the haft of his weapon.

Opposed grapple: [roll0]

[TheFallenOne]

"I got the little bugger, knock him out!" Grimmgang wrestled with the little creature, his armor spikes ripping into it's scales. Pinning the opponents arms with his own, he delivered a brutal headbutt. "Nothings's thicker than a dwarfen skull, creep."

Forgot damage for grapple initiation
[roll0] nonlethal, [roll1] lethal from spikes

my turn: grapple to damage opponent
[roll2] opposed
damage [roll3] nonlethal, [roll4] lethal

[TekHed]

Okay, sorry. In that case is it alright if we use the truestrike roll and such for this round then, since I obviously didn;t get a chane to use it. The alteration I will make is that Shard takes a -4 penalty to the attack roll and hits the lizardfolk with the flat of his blade, doing nonlethal damage.

[FuryOfMetal]

Drasil! Help Grimmgang hold it down!

+2 to Grimmgangs grapple bonus for aid another? :smallbiggrin:

[MoleMage]

"Damn these things." Daiya falters a little after killing the first one. "Careful! He's got something magic on him."

Double Move to F4.

[Sallera]

Shard's blade smacks the lizard across the back of the skull, and its head snaps forward and then back as Grimmgang finishes the job of knocking it out. The forest remains quiet; if whatever signal it was trying to make was long enough to be intelligible, it seems no one heard it.

[Sallera]

Need a secondary poison save from Grimmgang and two from Daiya, DC16. You do have time to drink antitoxin if you're quick about it.
Grimmgang: [roll0] con damage
Daiya: [roll1] and [roll2] con damage

[MoleMage]

[roll0]
[roll1]

Daiya's face pales somewhat shortly after the fight, and she doubles over in pain as the poison runs through her veins. She doesn't get back up and seems to have passed into unconsciousness.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang dropped the unconscious lizard in his arms in front of Trunk. "He'll likely speak no common, you deal with it." Sparing a look at Daiya, he sighed; the effects of poison can be rough. "Well, she's alive it seems, but their poison took a toll on her. Can one of you help her?"

He cleaned the blood from his weapon and armor with some rough leaves, then examined the instrument the lizard wanted to give a signal with, touching it carefully and estimating how far the sound would carry. Those were forward guards, we must be getting close. I'll take a look." He stashed his shield and climbed up the tree they were at with remarkable speed and ease, starting on the south side so the
trunk blocks the sight of any observer from the north, then once he was near the top he circled around, hiding in the leaves and spying out what awaited them in the north.

climb 25 with take 10, that should allow me to scale anything short of a flat wall.
Hide 21 with take 10

for examining the instrument... appraise? [roll0]

I'll drink one antitoxin. I bought two myself anyway before I knew we'd get some for the trip [roll1] well that was worth it

[Sallera]

The massive tree carries you several feet above the overall canopy, and you can see the top of the temple in a clearing a few minutes' walk ahead. Despite its apparent age, the huge stone structure is essentially intact, although it is a mass of vine-choked granite walls and columns. Two domes mark either end of its oblong shape, and a columned portico juts out from the temple’s entrance. Steam billows from somewhere within the temple, venting through high open windows 20 feet above the ground. While you can't see the ground from your perch, the clearing extends for a couple hundred feet in front of the temple.

[TekHed]

"Daiya!"

Shard rushes to his comrade as she collapses. He grasps onto a piece of his crystaline bracer and pulls out an ornately carved crystaline wand. The lights constantly swimming inside of him flare into a cohesive wave that pulses through his body, into and down the arm, wrist, hand, into the wand where it flares with brightness before passing into Daiya's body where the glow saturates itself into her body before fading.

He holds her in his arms, but looks up at the others. "I'm afraid healing her posion is well beyond my ability. I have done all I can for her."

Spend a charge from wand of lesser vigor.

[FuryOfMetal]

I'll prepare lesser restoration tomorrow, neutralize poison to if it would help.

Shifting back to his natural state, Trunk looks over Daiya. Tomorrow morning I can prepare some specific magic to cure this, for now I'm afraid you'll have to push through it. Don't worry, it seems you won't be taking any more damage from the posion. Running back to the downed Lizardfolk, Trunk calls his companion back to him. Good work Drasil. Come to me. Looking down at the dying lizardfolk, Trunk tries to come to a conclusion and finally pumps a slither of divine energy into the lizard. He then ties the lizardfolk up, extending the vines that wrap around his arms, making them grow and twist until they resemble rope.

I cast cure minor wounds to stop it bleeding. Then using my integrated rod of ropes :smallcool: I get the rope vines and tie the lizardfolk with it. I assume that I can't detach the rope as you can't with a normal rod of ropes. In which case I have a dragging prisoner until we decide what to do with it/we've got all useful information from it. We could even use it as a bargaining chip later if needs be. Who knows.

Take 20 on a use rope check? 19 xD If not someone else can use my natural arm rope, Grimmgang has use rope doesn't he?

I have a live prisoner we can interrogate later if needs be. He's securely tied.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang went back down and reported what he had seen. "I'm pretty sure we weren't noticed, but we should avoid the clear way and sneak through the underbrush to first get an estimate what we're dealing with."
He helped Trunk tie up the prisoner. "He's fine it seems, we took care to only knock him out. Blow some healing magic on him so we can interrogate him. I'd suggest you do that and I sneak ahead to scout out the vicinity of the temple."

the lizard still had positive hitpoints, but a lot of nonlethal damage Fury, so no bleeding

I only got +3 on use rope, but that's still the best modifier(after all you rarely see someone putting ranks in that :smallbiggrin:)

unless the others convince me otherwise, I'll sneak ahead, 50 feet west of the clear way. Hide and move silently at half speed, take 10 for 21 each(16 MS with undergrowth penalty). Once I'm close to the clearing, I'll climb a tree again to get a higher vantage point and observe the temple and surroundings

[Sallera]

From your new vantage point, you manage to get a good view of the approach to the temple. You can see a pair of poison dusk lizardfolk outside a cluster of four small huts around a firepit, and on the near side of the trail, four large huts of stone and mud, currently guarded by two of the much larger blackscale tribe. Sun-bleached bones litter the entrances to the latter dwellings, and there is also a large wooden cage nearby; while the slats are too closely spaced to see anything inside, it occasionally shakes as something slams against the side.

About a hundred feet further along the path, you can see two or three large shapes moving in the shadows of the temple portico, but from this height they are indistinct.

[MoleMage]

Daiya wakes shortly after the application of the wand, clearly still woozy.

"Thanks, friends. I trust no more have showed up while I was out? By the way, that one with the signal whistle has some sort of magic item..." following her magic sense, Daiya locates the item.

[Sallera]

You can detect no magic items, only an aura on the creature itself.

[MoleMage]

"Hmm. It seems that the creature itself is the source of the magic. Interesting. Can anyone identify it?"

Besides me, of course. I'm going to do whatever the nonsense stuff to identify the type and power of the aura is.

Which is to say, I use a swift action out of combat to do just that.

[TheFallenOne]

After some time, Grimmgang returned to the group and reported what he had seen on his scouting tour. "At least two more Poison Dusks and two Blackscales, likely more inside the huts currently not on guard duty, plus some creature they keep in a cage and some more things near the temple I couldn't make out. If we want to get in the temple, we have to take them all out. We can prepare ourselves with antidotes and maybe magical enhancements, but we shouldn't take too long in case the guards we killed are supposed to report back.
I say we should hit them hard and fast. Take the blackscales out first in a rapid assault, they're the damage dealers. The poison dusks we can ignore in the beginning I think if we protect ourselves with antitoxins." He took a wooden stick to draw a rough sketch of the clearing with the huts and best ways of advance.

um, I also think I'll loot the corpses. Always fun :smallbiggrin:

[Sallera]

Rather more elaborate than a stick-sketch, but you get the idea.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/templeapproach.png

A4 is where you saw the blackscales, A3 where you saw the poison dusk, and A5 where you saw the unknown entities.

Daiya, you can't identify the aura due to not being trained in Spellcraft.

[FuryOfMetal]

Hey Daiya, let me take a look and see if I can find anything. Also could you do with any extra healing?
[roll0] spellcraft ftw.

Very good ideas Grimmgang, thanks for your scouting. I think that if we want to invade this place we should rest up and prepare anything we'd need. You could sneak in during the night and take a look around if need be. This cage worries me though, if it's humanoid then it could prove to be an ally. But it could also be some sort of caged beast to protect them.

Turning to the dragging, gagged prisoner Trunk gestures at him. We could also find out about any guard dispositions and duty shifts if needs be. I'd rather we didn't torture him, when we leave to enter this temple we should tie him up so he cannot alert anybody.

Thinking for a second, Trunk remembers something. Maybe we could find this campsite that was mentioned by the Cold Sun tribe? It washidden under a ridge wasn't it? We could rest there overnight and I could prepare some spells to empower everybody, increasing our capabilities.

Can I make a spot check against the indistinct shapes int he distance? Even at a major negative modifier? :smallbiggrin:

[Sallera]

Backtracking a short distance, you find the broken tree Kristach described, and following his directions, you turn off the path. After struggling through a particularly overgrown patch of foliage, you emerge on the other side to find mossy stone walls on either side of you and a thick layer of green overhead. A small stream trickles down the rocks at the far end of the ravine, running a few feet before disappearing underground.

Your spell identifies a transmutation aura on the lizardfolk.

While you could take a look if you got close enough on the ground, I should remind you that Trunk is not especially stealthy.

[MoleMage]

"Wake him up. We don't need to torture him to get answers from him." Daiya approaches the lizardfolk and concentrates on him, waiting for her friends to wake him.

Cast Detect Thoughts before questioning. Concentrating on him, trying to pick up answers to questions as we ask them.

[TheFallenOne]

"I have no idea what was in the cage. It could be a guard creature or still wild, we have no guarantee how it would act if freed. We could free it as a back-up plan if things get rough and we need a distraction to get out, but only if we are desperate."

On Trunks suggestion to rest he said "I know Daiya needs some magic to heal the poison damage, and spells handpicked for this fight could be useful, but if we delay until tomorrow they will have noticed their guards gone and be on high alert. If we want to catch them unprepared we have to strike in the next few hours. A quick surprise attack while only part of them is on guard is our best chance."

what did I find looting? Some poisoned arrows could be useful, though I'm not sure if I can fire them from my bow since they're small

[Sallera]

Right, sorry. Each of the lizardfolk had a masterwork longsword and buckler, and a masterwork longbow (the one you captured had a composite bow with a +2 bonus). You managed to recover 5 arrows that appear to be poisoned. Also, I seem to have been mistaken before; there is indeed one amulet on the one you captured that registers as magical (in addition to the spell he had cast).

[TheFallenOne]

nice, those masterwork things alone are worth more than a weeks pay for each of us :smallbiggrin:

though I did hope for some extra poison vials on them. Could I use the small arrows with my mediumsized bow?

[Sallera]

No extra poison, but yeh, you can use the arrows with your bow; you'll just have the inappropriate size penalty.

[MoleMage]

"Wait, there's another magic item. His amulet, somebody grab it. Hmm. We should decide now whether we rest or we move on. I'm feeling a little faint from this poison, but I can use magic, too." Daiya sheathes her sword, sighing heavily.
"Are we going to question this one or not?"

[TekHed]

The Shard frowns, unable to conceal it's displeasure.

"I am not pleased with the idea of sending Daiya into a fight so poisoned. However, Grimmgang appears to be correct in that we may face much steeper opposition if the lizardfolk were to discover their missing scouts. In addition, my meager abilities have been taxed in this battle as well. Whatever is to be done, we must be smart about it. I'm afraid I have further unfortunate news...I am unable to cease emitting light, even at night so I fear I may place any surprise attack in jepordy. I hope I have not compromised our quest so early on..."

[FuryOfMetal]

Alas, Shard, the ultimate stealth monkey.

That is unfortunate Shard, maybe you should be the rearguard then so our position is not compromised. Should we drag the corpses of the slain to our campsite? Saves them finding bodies. Grimmgang maybe a full on frontal assualt is a bad idea. What would be the possibility of infiltrating the place? I understand that you are quite stealthy and I can change into a small, stealthy animal. Daiya and Shard, is there anything you can do regarding stealth?

I have the camoflage spell at this level I believe, that can help us.

Trunk ties the live captive to a tree and gags him. Any ideas about how we go about this? My interactions have always been based around peaceful negotiations.

[TheFallenOne]

"Sneaking past them is suicide. Even if we manage it, we search for something hidden in the temple and have no idea where to look; we'll be discovered and get pocketed in between the lizards in the temple and those outside. We can either try diplomacy, find an entrance outside the temple to where we want to go or take this place by force. And for the latter, we'd have to act soon. I know the difference between attacking a fortified position or catching an opponent unaware, and the difference will be our very lives and just so you know, I didn't sign up for a suicide mission. Either we act soon while it is still day or you better come up with a damn well great alternative plan because I certainly won't charge to my doon just to say 'I told you so' with my dying breath." Grimmgangs eyes narrowed, he was obviously quite displeased with this turn of events.
Breathing deeply, he regained his composure.
"We could try guerilla tactics, thinning them out with time. Maybe lure some of them in the jungle with this instrument and ambush them. But I'm still convinced our best chance is to strike the blackscales while they're unprepared and then either take the rest out or make a tactical retreat once the blackscales are down, depending on how things develop.
As for our prisoner, heal him up and maybe we learn something about how many enemies we're dealing with, I couldn't take a look inside the huts or the temple. With luck we don't have to get overtly unfriendly."

[MoleMage]

"We don't know the proper signals to lure them out." Daiya seems pensive for a moment, then goes to one of the fallen (dead) lizardfolk.

"Hmm. Yes, he will do nicely." Daiya mutters to herself, casting some sort of spell.

Speak With Dead

The corpse seems to gain some energy of its own volition, and Daiya addresses it with two questions.

"Where is the best spot to hide from your allies' scouts?"

"Where, if any, are the unguarded entrances to the temple?"

[Sallera]

The lizardfolk's corpse, freshly dead as it is, responds quickly, in a voice dead only in its lack of any inflection.

"Far away."

"Windows."

[FuryOfMetal]

Sorry Grimmgang, I defer to your greater knowledge of warfare. Trunk bows his head slightly in acknowledgement, knowing he possesses little skill with the tactics of warfare. However we could use this signalling device to lure out atleast a portion of their defences, meaning we have less enemies to confront.

I understand this is one of those "three wishes" situations, correct? If you have no better questions in mind for the third, maybe ask about where the Blackscales keep armaekrixner, the spear Kristach mentioned.

[MoleMage]

It's actually more of a "1 question per two caster levels" thing. What we have learned is that the temple has windows though. That's something. And that there's no perfect place nearby to hide from the scouts.

[FuryOfMetal]

So how is everybody doing, resources wise? I have all of my spells left I believe. If we're to storm this place head on then we should atleast know how much we have available to fall back on.

[TheFallenOne]

"I have just a tiny scratch and no limited magic to speak of, apart from this", Grimmgang said, thumping his belt. "And I'm not talking about a frontal assault from the cleared out way, but coming from the side of the jungle to take out the blackscales before the rest of the temple has time to react and send aid. If things get too rough, we can make a retreat back in the jungle. Trunk, you have any magic to cover our retreat or maybe slow reinforcements to the blackscales down?"

come on guys, keep the game going :smallsmile:

[FuryOfMetal]

Ah sorry, I became confused with your plan but now I see that as a pretty plausable plan of action. Anybody else have any major ideas or improvements for this plan? As for my own resources, I'm as prepared as can be. I haven't cast any spells yet today and I do have some a diversion and snag or two to harry the enemy with.

Yeah I tried to bump the game up. Lots of games have been slack over halloween though, atleast all that I'm participating in.

[MoleMage]

"I've got plenty of magic left, and I can just ignore the poison and stay out of combat if that's what it takes."

[TheFallenOne]

"How much is your combat ability limited by the poison, Daiya? Depending on that, you could do secondary melee or switch to ranged support. If we pool alchemist fires you should still be able to do damage even when weakened."

[MoleMage]

With a sword? A fair amount. I still have magic though, and my magic isn't meant for healing...

[FuryOfMetal]

I'm sure we can conjure up a ranged weapon for you, if the poison starts to inhibit you too much.

[TheFallenOne]

"Try out my bow, I use it as a backup, but if our efficency profits from you using it I'll give it to you."

masterwork composite longbow, mighty +3

[TekHed]

"I have expended only a small amount of my power...though it is limited to begin with. If you like I can reserve my spellcasting for healing injuries in the thick of melee. My hardened form has little to fear from injury or poison." Shard replies still looking with concern at Daiya.

I've had a doozy last couple of weeks. Things are balncing out though. Apologies for my absence...

[FuryOfMetal]

Well then shall we move into the trees so we can assualt from the side?

[TheFallenOne]

"If we're set on the plan, I'd say so unless you heal our prisoner so we can get some more information about what awaits us out of him. I couldn't get a clear reading on their numbers, but we should manage if we take them by surprise, coming from the west right on top of the blackscale huts and taking them out hard and fast."

Grimmgang removed three vials from his belt, giving them to Daiya. "Take my alchemist fires, each of us needs to pull his weight if we want to get through this."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/templeapproach.png

that was the map, blackscale huts are the western ones. Light green should be non-onstructing grass, so once we're out there they can see us, but we should be able to get in melee range before they can react and get first strike

[FuryOfMetal]

Ah I almost forgot about our special guest. Lets see what we can get from him and then leave him tied and gagged so he cannot give us away. Pulling a gnarled, thin white wand from his haversack and expends some of its energy to bring the lizardfolk to conciousness.

Expending 1 charge from my lesser vigor wand. Who has the highest intimidate? Or should I use diplomacy unless someone else has a higher modifier. Mine is...+9 diplomacy and +1 intimidate.

Crouching infront of the restrained lizardfolk, Trunk gently says in draconic I have no intention of harming you, but if you resist, try to escape or give away our position in any way then my friends here, gesturing at his friends around him, won't hesitate to cut you down. Now, how many of your brethren live in the temple? And how are your defences organised?

diplomacy:. If this rolls badly ( which sods law it will) then feel free to use intimidate or diplomacy. I'm sure that if we all joined in to look imposing we could get intimidate bonuses :smalltongue:

Well i rolled average for diplo, stealth rolls are as follows.
Hide: [roll]1d20-1
MS: 1d20-1
Just wait, natural 20s here i come :smallwink:

[MoleMage]

"I'll pull my own weight. Between magic and this bow of mine, I can still be effective without the use of my sword."

Daiya strings her shortbow and sets a quiver in easy reach. She also accepts the fire, however. She also notes that nobody has picked up the amulet on the captured scout yet, and takes it, tucking it into one of the side pockets of her bag.

[Sallera]

The lizardfolk glares at you, or so you assume - it is somewhat difficult to tell when its glassy black eyes and lack of eyebrows turn every expression into an intent stare. "<There are over a hundred of us here. We need no defenses, for soon we leave to attack!>" Despite his vehemence, however, not one of you hears any truth in his words.

[TheFallenOne]

"What did he say?" Grimmgang asked. When Trunk translated the lizards bragging, he shook his head. "Apart from the temple, they only have four small huts each for the blackscales and poison dusks. I'd say 30 in all, including noncombatants, would be a high estimate."

[FuryOfMetal]

Assuming what the archeologist told us was true though, this temple could go far deeper than our current estimate. I doubt it's over a hundred though. My guess would be around 50, including non-coms. Turning back to the lizardfolk Trunk asks <What do you mean attack? Who are you attacking?>

[Sallera]

"<You, who else?>" the lizard hisses. "<It is our land, and we will take it back.>"

[FuryOfMetal]

Well I asked for that one. <What is your purpose here? Who is your leader?>

[Sallera]

"<Our purpose is to keep you from getting any closer. The leader is the one who leads.>" You get the distinct feeling he's being deliberately obtuse.

[MoleMage]

"Ask him how he got that magic. And what this amulet does."

[FuryOfMetal]

<Fine, those were the last words you'll be speaking for a while. You're stuck tight here until we come back, gagged and tied to a tree alone.> Trunk pulls the gag back over his mouth and makes sure the lizardfolk is tied securely. <We'll see you on the way back, you'll have time to consider being mroe useful>

Stepping away from the sadly useless lizardfolk Trunk speaks generally to everybody. Well he was a waste of time, sorry to have wasted our efforts. I'll be leaving him here until we come back, he shouldn't be able to escape. Even if he does, we'll already be inside and active and knowing our luck we'll have half the temple raining down on us. You're free to do what you will with the Lizardfolk.

[FuryOfMetal]

Shameless bump

Well shall we get moving?

[Sallera]

You manage to find your way through the jungle easily enough, and your approach to the blackscales might even have gone smoothly, had Shard not tripped over a root and blundered into Daiya not twenty feet from the edge of the trees. One of the blackscales sitting near the debris-filled fire pit puts a hand to his massive club, staring through the undergrowth in your general direction.

"<Heard something,>" Trunk can hear him say in Draconic, none too subtly.

"<Hmf, animal. Anyone else would run into geckos on trail, and no signal yet,>" replies the other, idly cracking a bone into successively smaller shards.

The first snorts, standing and picking up his club. "<Animals have more grace than that.>" As if to give the lie to his words, the cage starts shaking violently as a white-furred shape inside bashes against the side, perhaps reacting to the movement.

A closer view of the immediate area. You're somewhere in the upper left corner at the moment; the nearer lizardfolk is the alert one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map2.png

[MoleMage]

They both spoke, yes? Listen check to pinpoint their locations (since they are greater than thirty feet from me and my various senses don't really help here. Can I smell (scent ability) any other lizardfolk? The wind would have to be in favor.

Picking herself up, Daiya shoots her best effort at a scathing glance at Shard, which comes across largely as blank as always. Quietly, she pulls out her shortbow and prepares to shoot down enemies who enter her senses with aggression.

That's a readied action to shoot the first thing I sense which seems to be actively attacking myself or my comrades.

[TheFallenOne]

When they got closer to the clearing, Grimmgang paused to drink an antitoxin. When Shard stumbled, he stopped dead in his tracks, taking cover and shooting Shard a very angry look; it clearly took him a lot of selfcontrol to keep silent now.

He couldn't understand what the lizards were saying, but it was clear they heard the approaching group. "We're noticed", he whispered. "We have to strike quick now."

[roll0] initiative

[FuryOfMetal]

Lets make this quick. I can keep them pinned here with a spell to prevent their escape.

:edit: change of plans! Assuming we get a suprise round against them I'll whack them with my vine ranged attack for an enormous d6, saving my wildshape uses for when they'd really be helpful. If we don't get a suprise round then I'll still whack 'em. initiative I forgot I had a negative modifier...

And for Drasil [roll]1d20+7 She will charge the nearest lizardfolk and begin with the bitey bitey. Are they large? Becauses on the map they take up 4 squares.

[TekHed]

It's humanoid form still unfamiliar and awkward, Shard did not see the root waiting to catch its foot.

As Daiya crashed forward and it toppled facedown into a heavy thud the others stiffened. Slowly and as quietly as it could Shard got to its feet. It didin't flush but the look of embarassment was much the samew as any humanoid. As the other prepared for attack, Shard tightened it's grip on his greatsword, gearing itself up for another charge.

[TheFallenOne]

in the surprise round, I move to the edge of the covering jungle in D5
Hide [roll0]
Move Silently [roll1]

first turn action depending on where the lizard is after the surprise round

[FuryOfMetal]

Move to D4, I'll wait until the suprise round is over to take my normal actions.
Hide [roll0]
MS [roll1]

[Sallera]

Grimmgang's approach goes unnoticed, but Trunk is spotted as soon as he reaches the edge of the trees, and the lizardfolk raises his club with a vicious grin. "<Hah! I told you! Now get over here and help me kill them!>"

He charges straight for Trunk, bringing the club down in a graceless smashing arc. His movement brings him close enough for Daiya to sense him, however, and Shard charges out of the undergrowth as well, only to crash bootlessly into the lizard's sturdy legs.

Lizard makes a partial charge to E6/F7 and attacks Trunk; Daiya can roll her own attack, and Shard's bull rush fails.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

And begin round 1.

[FuryOfMetal]

Drasil charges the lizardfolk, intent on protecting her allies. Trunk however stays within the treeline, hoping for some cover whilst lashing out with his vines

Trunk stays where he is and smacks the lizardfolk around with his whipping vines hopefully.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Drasil acts on my initiative and charges the lizardfolk to F5, hoping to help with a flank.
[roll2]
[roll3]
Drasil has -2 ac until my next turn, she has an ac of 18


Well the max damage rolls would've been nice if they'd hit.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang emerged from the undergrowth, circling the lizardfolk to give the others room to attack and then lashed out at the beast, determined to take it out as fast as possible.

Autosuccess tumble to D7

Wolf Fang Strike
axe [roll0]
damage [roll1] + [roll2] skirmish

armor spikes [roll3]
damage [roll4] + [roll5] skirmish

well, off to a good start I'd say. Pity I stupidly forgot to use Stone Bones

[MoleMage]

"There you are..." Daiya releases her drawn bow, then quickly nocks another arrow to the string and lets fly a second time, carefully maneuvering herself so that Shard and Trunk are between her an the enemies after she releases her shots

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]

The second attack roll includes a -4 for firing into melee. If both of the d4s for a given attack show a one, my attack misses due to concealment.

[Sallera]

Daiya's arrow buries itself in the black scales, and although the lizard easily fends off the blows of Trunk and Drasil, this only allows Grimmgang to dash under its reach, opening deep wounds in its flank with axe and armour. It tumbles to the ground, unmoving, as its partner stands, holding its club high at the ready as if daring you to come closer.

That one fell before Daiya's turn, so since Shard hasn't moved yet, we'll just cut the round off here. Initiative is now effectively all of you, then the lizard.

[TekHed]

Declared action in OOC thread so will let that stand for this round. If need be Shard will move action to threaten remaining lizardfolk.

[FuryOfMetal]

Go Drasil! Go!

Saving the resources for the upcoming assualt and continuous danger so I'll carry on playing the meatgrinder. Drasil and I will both smack the lizard about.
Trunk [roll0]
[roll1]

Drasil is flanking with Grimm I believe so +2 attack
[roll2]
[roll3]

Hopefully my encouragement results in a crit or something....

Damnit I cannot hit anything! :smallannoyed: this is funny.

[TheFallenOne]

When the blackscale fell before his axe, Grimmgang immediately went for the second one, sacrificing safety for speed. It's defensive posture clearly indicated it was stalling, and Grimmgang wasn't willing to give reinforcements the time to arrive, even if he had to take a hit for it. Once he was within the guard of the lizardfolk, he delivered a brutal overhand chop at its chest with all his strength.

so it didn't change position, right?
Move to H11, running start
Swift: jump to I13, autosuccess
Tumble at full speed to avoid AoO [roll0] DC25 :smallconfused: I could have sworn I had +14, so that last turn was no autosuccess after all. Failed on 1 [roll1]
Standard: Mountain Hammer
Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3] + [roll4] + [roll5] skirmish

[TheFallenOne]

"Two more in the huts!", Grimmgang called out as he buried his axe to the handle into the lizards scaly flesh.

[MoleMage]

Daiya moves cautiously towards the sound of the voices, keeping her allies in 'sight' and holding her bow at the ready.

I need to know what I sense as I move towards where the lizardfolk and Grimmgang were talking. This will determine my actions. 30ft tremorsense, 30ft blindsense, scent, and 60ft detect magic.

[Sallera]

If you take a full move action closer, you can sense the one Grimmgang is fighting and another in the northern hut.

[MoleMage]

Daiya indicates which tent has an enemy in it, calling to her allies before firing off an arrow at Grimmgang's opponent.

[Sallera]

The lizardfolk swings its club in a long upward arc as Drasil approaches, before drawing it back overhead and smashing it down. It loses its grip on the weapon as Grimmgang's strike impacts heavily, leaning backward as it strives to keep its balance, only to find its throat transfixed by Daiya's arrow. Trunk, ignored, takes advantage of the opportunity to assume the form of a wooden bear, and the shouted warnings prove shortly unnecessary as two more blackscales emerge from the huts, eagerly engaging Shard and Grimmgang.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map2-1.png

Daiya's attack scores a crit, dropping the second lizard well past dead.
Attack on Drasil: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Attack on Drasil: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Attack on Shard: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
Attack on Grimmgang: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

[FuryOfMetal]

On them, my friends! Before more are aware of our presence!

Trunk will double move to K10, enjoying a well spent turn :smallbiggrin: I thought last turn i spent my move action but nevermind.

Drasil will move to a square that would be advantageous to Grimmgang, yet to be decided. She'll attack the K12/L13 lizardfolk for a massive critical! [roll0] [roll1]

Or as usual my flavorful companion fails :smallbiggrin:

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang narrowly managed to deflect a savage axeblow from the newly arrived lizards, the weapon leaving a scar on his shield. Not wanting to be caught between both blackscales, he circled one of them to get it between him and the second lizard, then attacked it while he regained his balance after his all-out attack.

attack 20 is the most narrow of misses thanks to +1 skirmish AC.

Regain Warblade Maneuvers
attack with full Stone Bones
[roll0]
[roll1] + [roll2] skirmish. Gain 8 temp hp
Tumble [roll3]
curious, I can't figure out why I didn't put another rank in there

edit: oops, location. L14

[MoleMage]

Daiya feels her target fall and notes the large lizard coming out of the north hut. Muttering something to herself, she casts out her hand and fires a ray of heat which blisters the air around her.

Cast Searing Ray at the blackscale I can feel. Sorry for not rolling these last couple; I'm posting from work.

[TekHed]

Shimmering with silent light and the faint tinkling of his crystaline body, Shard moves to press the attack.

Move to J13 avoiding threatened squares to threaten Lizardman being assualted by Grimgang.

Charge Weapon with 2 PP. Using Stone Bones Maneuver
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll]4d6+3

Edit: goofed on the damage roll but with a natural 1 it doesn't matter.

The weapon will stay charged for a minute or until I land my next attack.

Is my maneuver expended even though I missed with it?

Maneuvers: [roll1]
Vanguard Strike now available. Just waiting on Crusader's Strike IIRC

[Sallera]

The northern lizard appears somewhat confused by the wooden bear, but takes a half-hearted swing at it as it approaches regardless. It responds to Shard's challenge much more enthusiastically, despite nearly losing an eye to Daiya's spell, putting all its strength into a massive swing that nearly smashes the hut's doorframe. Grimmgang easily evades the other blackscale, scoring a deep wound in its thigh, and it drops the club, turning to more agile weapons in an attempt to strike the nimble dwarf.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map2-2.png

Daiya hits for 18.
Club at Trunk, with a -4 due to Shard: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Club at Shard: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Bite at Shard: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
Claw at Grimmgang: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]
Claw at Grimmgang: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]
Bite at Grimmgang: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

[TheFallenOne]

The blackscales jaws closed around Grimmgangs arm, however the stubborn dwarf managed to yank it out again before any damage could be done, taking a tooth of the perplexed lizard in the process. Not losing momentum, he dashed around the lizard towering over him and when it couldn't keep up because of it's wounded thigh, he attacked it from behind.

Stone Power soaks the bite damage. Still wondering how exactly the effect of the feat is best explained IC

Tumble to M12 [roll0] DC15

Wolf Fang Strike

Axe [roll1] -2 maneuver, +2 flanking
damage [roll2] + [roll3] Skirmish

Armor Spikes [roll4]
damage [roll5] + [roll6] Skirmish

edit: well, first time I roll bad for damage, but I can't complain about the rest :smallbiggrin: and I guess it's still enough

[TekHed]

The Club swing misses wildly but the Lizardman's fangs found purchase on Shard...fortunately they could not penetrate it's hardened epidermis.

Shard brought it's greatsword down upon the exposed neck of the Blackscale.

So now I have all 5 of my maneuvers granted. Using Crusader's Strike and will heal whomever is most wounded with it.

[roll0] Wow! Does that hit???

damage: [roll1]

Heals [roll2] points of damage to whomever is most injured.

[FuryOfMetal]

Dodging the blow as the Lizardfolk reacts to the approaching bear, Trunk assualts his foe, confident in the power of his current form. Seeing her masters renewed vigor, Drasil also delivers a powerful bite into the meat of her targets undamaged thigh.

Full attack
claw 1 [roll0] [roll1]
claw 2 [roll2] [roll3]
bite [roll4] [roll5]

Drasil
[roll6] [roll7]

[MoleMage]

Approaching slowly towards the center of the clearing so as to keep the whole fight in her senses, Daiya draws back her bow again and fires it at the northern lizardfolk.


(If the northern one falls before her action, she will fire at the other one.)
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Includes -4 for melee, two ones is a miss, yada yada yada.

[Sallera]

Grimmgang swiftly whittles the blackscale down to nothing, slicing away at its limbs until it collapses. The other is borne to the ground by the weight of the bear's paws and the stroke of Shard's blade, bleeding its last almost before it has a chance to react. The battle is over seconds after it began, although the noise remains as the restless creature in the cage continues its bellowing.

[TheFallenOne]

As the last blackscale fell, Grimmgang darted to the clearing between the two northern huts to see if a counterattack was already underway, though he doubted it; their strike at the muscle of the lizards was quick and decisive, now the question was if they should pause to refocus or keep the momentum of the attack to press the advantage. "Get yourself patched up, this will be a short breather! We shouldn't give them time to get organized, best we strike the next group right away before they can get their numerical advantage to play." He observed the poisondusk huts and the temple proper, trying to get a reading of their movements. The cage in his back only got a passing glance; it seemed to be a wild beast, not intelligent enough to distinguish it's captors from their enemies.

well, 4 turns, 4 blackscales, I'd call that a good quota :smallbiggrin: how wounded is everyone? I didn't keep track

[Sallera]

The constant noise from the caged creature seems to have worked in your favour; the poison dusks in the distance don't appear to have noticed your presence. It is more difficult to tell whether the figures you previously saw pacing back and forth near the doors are aware of you; the raised portico doesn't give you a clear view.

[MoleMage]

"Grimmgang, what do you see?"

[TheFallenOne]

Noticing the unexpected lack of hostile activity, Grimmgang immediately ducked into better coverand scaled the hut he was standing next to to get a better view. "Believe it or not, it seems the noise from the beast was enough to let our raid go unnoticed", tje dwarf said in a hushed voice. "Though I'm not sure yet, couldn't get a clear sight of the temple, but it seems we have some more time to contemplate our strategy. Can you calm the beast a but before the lizards get suspicious?"

[FuryOfMetal]

Damnit I'm still in bear form....Could we get the large scale map of the temple front? I'd like to try and get closer to see what the beast is using Knowledge: Nature. My concern is however that if we calm the animal then the poisondusk would notice as it seems it's normal for it to be aggravated?

Following the brief battle, Trunk takes a moment to breath through his wooden nostrils and circulate it throughout his form to cool down. He pads over to the hut and peers out from behind it quickly, trying to survey the situation.

[TheFallenOne]

we got a larger map when I went scouting

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/templeapproach.png

We're at A4. Seems we have good cover from the temple proper, but I fear the poison dusks have good sight on the pile of dead blackscales

If I got things right, the caged beast was always kind of aggravated, but the nearby battle considerably intensified it

[FuryOfMetal]

Hmm well if we drop back into the jungle to the west then we can get closer without being hassled. For now though I guess we can see about this unknown beast. I'll try and move closer to see it but hopefully moving with cover so I'm not seen. I'll try and find evidence of it's position from past posts...

It looks like the cage is in A4 with us, probably that faint 2x2 square south-west of the A4 camp. So i'll move up round the north to end up on the west side, giving me cover from the other camp.
Knowledge nature 1d20+13
Handle animal 1d20+6
Hopefully something good happens...

[Sallera]

As you approach the cage, you can see white fur, great bulk, and what appears to be too many limbs, but whatever the creature is, it is beyond your knowledge. The sight of the strange bear apparently taking an interest in the captive only draws a series of ineffectual blows to the sturdy slats. For now, the poison dusks appear to remain oblivious.

[FuryOfMetal]

Glancing at the poisondusk nervously, Trunk tries once more to calm and coerce the beast.

handle animal [roll0]

However his attempt appears to be in vain and he warily backs off, trying not to enrage the beast further. Trunk keeps eye contact whilst backing away out of sight to behind the huts again. He looks at his companions ineffectually and waits for others to lead off, padding the ground softly.

[TheFallenOne]

you're a druid, you have Wild Empathy for a reason :smallbiggrin:

How much damage has everybody taken currently? I'm just missing 2 HP

Grimmgang slowly backed off from his vantage point to quietly converse with the others. "We have a little time I think to prepare. Should we hit the poison dusks first? It's easier to retreat from there when reinforcements from the temple arrive, we might decide to retreat after weakening them a bit more and finish them off tomorrow rested and prepared", he said, eyeing Daiya.

[MoleMage]

"Don't worry on my account. It takes more than a couple flesh wounds to kill me. I can just stay out of the melee and make use of my bow and magic."

[FuryOfMetal]

Damnit, I have a lesser vigor wand in my pack but that's currently melded inside of the massive wooden bear. It's difficult not to appear like some oversized ornament. I can cast a mass lesser vigor to heal us all up but I only have one and I'm not sure if everbody really needs it yet.

[TheFallenOne]

Shard has some healing too if he's still with us, hasn't posted here in two weeks. Maybe you could hand the wand to him next time you're humanoid? As cleric, he can use it too and isn't restricted by Wildshape

I think the only ones who took damage are Trunk and Drasil, so you should know best if healing is necessary or not

Grimmgang nodded briefly at Daiyas bravery, then readied himself to sprint over the clearing to the poison dusk huts in one fell swoop. "You better drink one of the antidotes, if you get poisoned again things will go ugly."

now we're closer to the temple, can we rougly estimate how many more lizards could inhabit it, leaving room for kitchen and supply areas etc?

[TekHed]

I also have a wand of lesser vigor...who needs some and how much?



Shard busies itself by dragging the bodies out of sight and into the huts while Grimgang scouts out their next move.

[Sallera]

The temple is around two hundred feet across, and nearly half that in width. Depending on the size of the inhabitants and how deep it extends into the earth, you estimate it could hold anywhere from ten to thirty.

[TheFallenOne]

OK, are we set on charging the poison dusks next or does someone have another idea?

[MoleMage]

If by charging you mean letting Shard take a different path while the rest of us sneak up on them, then yes. Sorry bud, you emit sparks and can't walk quietly to save your life. Not allowed on further stealth missions.

[TheFallenOne]

problem with sneaking is - well, look on the map. There's absolutely no cover between the two sets of huts, if we want to sneak we'd have to backtrack into the jungle, go a long way counterclockwise and then emerge again out of the jungle east of the poison dusks. That takes a long time - too long - and frankly we already learned that we are no sneaky team.
That's why my thought was to just charge over the clearing in one go. If we're lucky, nobody is on lookout in the temple in that moment, and if we're not lucky - well, we had to be noticed sooner or later, and I'm quite surprised we made it this far without alarming the whole temple yet

[FuryOfMetal]

Drasil and I could both do with one charge Tek, they heal 11 per charge don't they?

Sneaking is pretty much out of the question, we probably should just charge over and mob them. If we don't make battle cries we could be ok :smallbiggrin: Looks like if we double move we could be in charge range.

[TheFallenOne]

hm, holiday fatigue?

anyway, after Shard uses some healing on Drasil and Trunk we should just charge over the clearing and hopefully keep this game going

[Sallera]

The poison dusk lizardfolk seem oddly oblivious as you charge across the clearing, only noticing your presence once you are nearly upon them. Two of them stand near a pair of large toadstools, each of which has several arrows sticking out of it within easy reach, and both fit a shaft to the string as they see you, one calling out "<Attack! Get moving, lazy bastards!>" in Draconic.

Roll initiative. Party's around the intersection of the three paths; there are two poison dusks visible near the A3 mark. I'll get a proper map up after the first round when you're closer.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang got in a ready position with the easternmost hut shielding him from potential viewers in the temple, then eyed his companions to see if they were ready. When all gave the OK, he nodded. "Let's go then."
With surprising speed for his short legs, he ran across the clearing in one go, only stopping once the poison dusks huts were now between him and the temple. Seeing two of the poison dusks, he immediately slammed into the one failing to react in time.

Antidote I drank before leaving the jungle still active

surprise round or regular round?
Assuming full round: move adjacent, with any remaining movement used for circling so the others have more room to maneuver. Wolf Fang Strike

Axe [roll0]
Damage [roll1] + [roll2] Skirmish

Spikes [roll3]
Damage [roll4] + [roll5] Skirmish

if surprise round, partial charge instead. Use Twisted Charge if necessary to get a line. Take first attack roll and add 4(2 charge, 2 not using Wolf Fang Strike)

[MoleMage]

Daiya stays to the back of the group, listening for any approaching enemies so they aren't caught unawares. When she feels her allies begin to charge the lizardfolk, she steps into range and lets loose with her bow.

Init:[roll0]
Delaying initiative if necessary to act immediately following the last of my teammates attacking.
Attack (before firing into melee): [roll1]
Miss Chance (miss on total of 2): [roll2]
Damage (if striking): [roll3]

[FuryOfMetal]

Bounding across the expanse, Trunk and Drasil charge side by side to smash into the Poisondusk and take them out fast. Devoid of breath, the pair prepare to assualt their foes.

Initiative: [roll0]

I'm assuming normal round as they've seen us. So Charge!
[roll1] [roll2]

Drasil [roll3] [roll4]

[Sallera]

Trunk gets a paw into the nearest lizardfolk, spinning it around neatly as the other retaliates with a pair of arrows. Grimmgang appears around the opposite side of the hut before the lizard can recover, bringing it to the ground with a precise cut to the back. Shard follows the others in, although he cannot match their speed, and Daiya pins an arrow to the second archer's sternum, sending it staggering back a step. Two more lizardfolk appear out of the shadows of the nearest huts; one sees in the off-balance Grimmgang a target of opportunity, while the other darts out of sight into the forest behind the southern hut.

Attack on Trunk: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Attack on Trunk: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Attack on Grimmgang: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5] + poison (DC16 or [roll6] str damage)
Attack on Grimmgang: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8] + poison (DC16 or [roll9] str damage)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map3.png

[TheFallenOne]

One arrow whiffed past Grimmgangs head, the other broke harmlessly on his shield. He noticed with dismay that one of the lizards was retreating, but decided against pursuing it and instead blocked the way to the temple for the archer by the fireplace while attacking him viciously with his axe.

move to H7, usual tumble

Mountain Hammer
attack [roll0]
damage [roll1] + [roll2] skirmish and maneuver

[MoleMage]

Daiya lightly enters the edge of the clearing, keeping an awareness to her surroundings, bow drawn. Once she feels confident that the remaining huts contain no surprise assailants, she releases at the lizard by the fire.

Move to D9, attack with bow.
Attack: [roll0]
Miss chance: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[FuryOfMetal]

One arrow deflects off of Trunks broad, wooden shoulders and spins off to land 10ft away in the dirt. The other burries itself in his left shoulder joint. Dividing to conquer the aggressive natives, Drasil moves to flank the Lizard glowing by the fire. Trunk steps to block a Lizard inside it's hut, preventing it's escape. As he moves in for the kill, the arrow in his shoulder snaps off at the shaft, leaving the arrowhead inside.

Drasil - move to H9 and provide a tasty flanking bonus.
[roll0] [roll1]

Trunk - move to E7, unfortunately I can't full attack due to the distance.
[roll2] [roll3]

[Sallera]

The poison dusk bites at Drasil as it approaches, stepping back out of reach as the wooden canine retaliates more effectively, and snaps off a pair of arrows at Daiya. Despite the close quarters, it neatly dances out of the way of Grimmgang's straightforward strike and Daiya's return shot. Shard and Trunk corner the lizard in the hut, although the building is far too small for the bear to fight in effectively, and the trapped archer drops his bow and scrambles out of the crusader's reach, slashing at Trunk with a sword barely out of the sheath and following up with an attempt to bite the bear on the nose. From the trees to the south, you hear a long, wavering whistle, varying in tone in a regular pattern - it is the same sort of signal that one of the trail watch attempted to use, and it carries through the jungle quite effectively.

Trunk, you don't fit in there; you'll take a -4 to attacks and AC while inside for squeezing. Daiya, your attacks should be doing 1d6+2 due to the strength damage. You can also hear the whistle well enough to pinpoint the hiding lizard in F16.
AoO on Drasil: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Attack on Daiya: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] + poison (DC16 Fort or [roll4] str damage)
Attack on Daiya: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6] + poison (DC16 Fort or [roll7] str damage)
Shard's attack (Stone Bones): [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]
Attack on Trunk: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]
Attack on Trunk: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map3-1.png

[MoleMage]

Daiya flinches as the arrow slams into her, her thinned blood leaving her already faint. Needing cover, she uses her magic to call up a fog cloud before relocating herself to avoid fire.

Aye, my bad there.
Fort Save:[roll0]
Cast Obscuring Mist, then:
Move to D12.

Next turn I'm going to pull out and use a potion of cure light wounds, if nothing drastic happens to change that. Actually, cancel that. If I pinpoint the whistle lizard, I'm gonna try and peg him next turn. He'll only have had 12 seconds. Maybe his signal will be incomplete.

EDIT: Damn my awful fort save. Another 4 strength damage.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang hissed a curse when he recognized the signal. "We'll have company soon, watch out for the north!" To have a better lookout at potential reinforcements arriving from the temple, he circled the lizard next to him to get it between himself and the temple while trying to regain his focus.

should've drunk an antidote. Be wary of the secondary con damage

move to J8
regain maneuvers
attack [roll0]
damage [roll1] + [roll2]

[FuryOfMetal]

Black bears are medium Sallera, surely there is space?

Shrugging off the attacks against him, Trunk lashes out at the lizard infront of him. Drasil presses the assualt, trying to bring down her foe.

Full attack
[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]

Drasil moves to H8 and attacks
[roll6] [roll7]

Hmm that looks ok enough.

[Sallera]

Trunk manages to get his teeth into the trapped lizard, and it retaliates in kind, attempting to put the wooden bear's eye out, for all the good that might do. The other dodges Drasil's attack and tosses its bow into the hut, drawing a blade and slashing at Grimmgang before following. Grimmgang's blow takes it above the knee, but it manages to remain standing. Shard switches targets, striking at the lizard with an underhand swing intended to leave it off-balance, before the mist from Daiya's spell obscures the combatants' views of each other. The whistle dies down, and Daiya can feel the third poison dusk moving off to the east.

It's a height thing, not a width thing, presumably; these are sleeping spaces designed for creatures three feet tall, so medium creatures inside will suffer penalties. (Imagine trying to fight in a child's tent, for example.) I adjusted Grimmgang's move to match the lizard's, but if you'd rather be elsewhere, just say so.

Attack on Grimmgang: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Bite: [roll]1d20+5[roll]
Damage: [roll2]
Shard's attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] and others get +4 to hit the lizard next round if it hits
Attack on Trunk: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Concealment: [roll7]
Attack on Trunk: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]
Concealment: [roll10]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map3-2.png

[TheFallenOne]

The lizard attacked with surprising expertise, drawing blood from Grimmgangs right shoulder. The dwarf grit his teeth in frustration and momentarily jumped backwards out of his enemies reach to recuperate, only to dart forward again a second later and attack with a sideswing.

Sudden Leap to J8
Move to H6. With the hut around him only way I see to get skirmish without granting him cover from the walls -.- and of course, tumble yada yada
Wolf Fang Strike
Axe [roll0]
Damage [roll1] + [roll2]
Spikes [roll3]
Damage [roll4] + [roll5]

[MoleMage]

Daiya lets out an unknightly curse when the whistle stops sounding, and deftly pulls and drinks from a potion in her belt pouch before moving to the north. If she's lucky, she can get hidden in the tree line before reinforcements show and can ambush them with magic.

Drink Cure Light Wounds [roll0]
Move towards the northern tree line.

[FuryOfMetal]

Trunk tries to deflect the attack aimed for his eye, turning his head away from hit. He attempts to then turn it into a biting retaliation but fails to connect. Trunk follows up with thick, wooden claws, hoping to tear deep holes in the lizard. Drasil remanouveurs around the tents to find a better angle and then be in position to move on.

Ah thanks Sallera, I forgot poisondusk were small sized. Also I assume the attacks in the Obsc Mist miss on a 1 on the d5. Hopefully I can be as successful as last round on my rolls....

Trunk
[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]

Drasil is going to double move round to G6, next turn she'll either move in to help finish that bugger off or be ready to move on. Also it says my rolls don't match the database, that's because i originally rolled attacks for Drasil, forgetting that the lizard had moved away and she couldn't reach it.

[Sallera]

Trunk continues his unseen battle with the lizard, once again managing to draw blood, but the trapped archer has no choice but to continue his desperate slashing and biting in a last attempt to get free. The leader lashes out at Grimmgang, but the dwarf finally manages to down him, knocking him aside with his axe and slamming the maimed foe into the wall with a spiked shoulder. The now-former leader drops to the ground, bleeding heavily. Drasil and Shard take up a defensive position as two blackscale lizardfolk approach from the direction of the temple. Both blackscales are wearing translucent purple belts of scales around their waists, and small midnight blue draconic wings of the same material trail from their shoulders like a cloak. Several feet behind them, you can see a red-scaled creature that most closely resembles the draconic equivalent of a centaur, who holds a spear high and shouts in Draconic, "<For the children of the night!>"

Daiya, retrieving the potion is a move action, so you can't get far this turn. Trunk, your attack routine appears to be off; it should be 7/7/2 for 1d6+4/1d6+4/1d4+2, not counting the squeezing penalty. And yes, a 1 on concealment is a miss.

Attack on Grimmgang: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Attack on Grimmgang: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Attack on Trunk: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
Concealment: [roll6]
Attack on Trunk: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]
Concealment: [roll9]
Shard enters Iron Guard's Glare stance and takes a total defense action for the round.

The dracotaur is ~20-30 feet northwest of the blackscales.
Init for the newcomers: [roll10], [roll11]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/emberice/map3-3.png

[TheFallenOne]

<Children of the Night!
Searching for the light
far away...>

hey, a power metal singalong in draconic would have style :smallbiggrin:

Grimmgang took another stinging hit to the thigh before he finally managed to take down the lizards leader. He breathed heavily, noticing the reinforcements arriving from the temple. Fast, he thought. And there are likely to come more.
He glanced at the lizard at his feet; it wouldn't do to leave such an formidable enemy alive in case they had to retreat. With a swift axeblow, he executed the helpless enemy, then darted around the hut, preparing a flanking maneuver for the blackscales soon to make contact with Shard.
"We've got company, more blackscales northwest!"

regain maneuvers, attack with full Stone Bones
[roll0] vs helpless AC. +8 temp HP
damage [roll1]
move to I4

Are those blackscales with Soulmelds? :smallconfused: oh dear

[MoleMage]

"I can sense them...they have magic of some kind! Use caution."

Daiya moves through the fog as she speaks, hopefully throwing off her enemies' perception of where she is. Once she can sense her opponents through the earth, and can still feel the wet fog on her face, she prepares herself and murmurs float through the fog before a great bolt of lightning flashes down from the sky to strike one of the two large lizards.


Move to C8. Cast "Call Lightning" on the southern blackscale. Reflex Save DC 17 for half damage. 3d6 unless the weather is cloudy/stormy, otherwise 3d10. I'll post both rolls here and you use whichever based on the weather.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[FuryOfMetal]

Could be soulmelds. Can't think of anything else though. Either way, Dracotaurs are awesome looking. Thanks for the clearup Sallera, my bad. Also I just realised how useful an Obsc Mist must be for someone like Daiya as she can "see" just fine whilst in it.

Trunk racks his memories for any mention of the Children of the Night, hopefully finding out what he was up against. Remembering that his form seems to be taking hits too easily, especially anticipating what's crester the horizon, he takes a moment to cast a protective charm on himself. Draining some strength from himself he channels it into a bright shield of faith, his burning desire to protect Q'Barra.

Drasil, seeing the strange new lizards headed their way hunkers down into a defensive stance, ready to attack whatever comes near. This way she hopes to pincer the first lizard that comes new between her new friends and herself. If they could focus their attacks then this battle would become easier.

I'd rather cast this now whilst I have a weakened and slightly blinded lizardfolk trapped in a tent instead of whilst toe to toe with hulking Blackscales and a Dracotaur. So I cast Luminous Armor for +5ac, -4 to enemies melle attacks against myself and a probably useless negation of darkness effects of level 2 or lower whilst I'm in their radius. Nice for 5 hours, especially as a stealth infliltration now seems unlikey. drained of [roll0] strength though.

Drasil will ready an attack against the right/top lizard if it comes adjacent next round. Otherwise she'll just move and attack next round going for flanking etc.

[Sallera]

The small lizard in the hut attempts a furious cut as Trunk's attention wavers, before lashing out blindly as the light fills the area. Grimmgang easily executes the downed archer, drawing strength from his victory as he moves to engage the newcomers. A glob of burning liquid splashes over Shard and Drasil as the dracotaur ends its approach by spitting at them, and the creature levels its spear with a grin. Swift shadows scatter the light across the campsite, small dark clouds gathering overhead at Daiya's call, but the two blackscales ignore them as they close in on Shard, attempting to crush him between them with powerful, coordinated swings of their clubs. Shard replies in kind, sidestepping decisively and thrusting its suddenly-glowing weapon at the nearest lizard.

No map this round, since I'm not at my usual computer. Blackscales move to E2/F3 and C4/D5, Shard moves to E4 to threaten both of them.
AoO on Trunk for casting: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Concealment: [roll2]
Attack on Trunk (penalties assuming spell not interrupted): [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Concealment: [roll5]
Attack on Trunk: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]
Concealment: [roll8]

Attack on Shard (touch): [roll9]
Damage: [roll10] fire
Splash to Drasil: [roll11] fire

Shard's attack (Deep Crystal + Crusader's Strike): [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]
Healing to Grimmgang, if it hits: [roll14]

Attack on Shard: [roll15]
Damage: [roll16]
Attack on Shard: [roll17]
Damage: [roll18]

[TheFallenOne]

well, I'm at my usual computer, so...

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9748/map33.png

no new location spelled out for Drasil as far as I could see, so I left him in place

That's a lot of misses up there... Pity about the crusaders strike though

[TheFallenOne]

When the towering lizards impacted on Shard, Grimmgang cirlced around them through the edge of the jungle, flanking one of them together with his unusual companion. "Shard, let's take this one out first!" he called out, pummeling the back of the occupied blackscale.

Move to G1. Tumble [roll0] DC25
action is assuming I don't get hit by an AoO. If I do get hit, I'll likely have to use Stone Bones or my Healing Belt

Wolf Fang Strike
Axe [roll1]
damage [roll2] + [roll3] Skirmish

Spikes [roll4]
damage [roll5] + [roll6] Skirmish

that didn't go so well...

[MoleMage]

"The heavens themselves glow with their hatred of your deeds, fool! Feel the wrath of my magic!" Daiya's voice penetrates the fog.

Finish Casting, targeting nearer blackscale (CD 3.5)

[FuryOfMetal]

Shame about Shard's beefy blows missing, that little extra healing would've been a nice bonus. Atleast I'm a bit tankier now which is nice. Think I might switch places with Drasil, she can play the bland role of blocker for now and I'll tackle bigger fair.

As the Lizardfolk tries to strike a blow whilst Trunk is distracted, he hastens the spell to fruition. The mesmeric armor forms quick enough and the claw bounces off, a fraction of a second away from piercing through an unformed abjuration. Glancing at Drasil, Trunk steps away from the Lizard in the hut and Drasil quickly steps in to fill the gap and charges the trapped Lizard. Trunk aims for larger fair this day.

Trunk moves to G4 and attacks the Lizardfolk, also giving it another -4 to attack from the bright llight searing it's eyes. My attacks aren't as heavy but they'll help to debilitate these big hitters.
One claw attack [roll0] [roll1]

Drasil moves to E7 to replace Trunk. Not in line for a charge so she'll standard action attack.
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Sallera]

The blackscale takes a wild swing at the glowing bear as it approaches, although with Shard's interference and the blinding light it is barely even in the correct direction. Trunk manages to clip a few scales from its knee, but Drasil fares better, slamming into the archer and removing it from the fight. Grimmgang approaches the blackscale from the other side, but it twists in place as his weapons impact, its scaly hide turning them harmlessly aside. The dracotaur yells admonishments at the blackscales for their clumsiness before charging into the fight itself, spear aimed at Grimmgang. Daiya's completed spell draws a bolt of lightning from the gathered cloud bank, and although the lizard's winged cloak reflexively interposes itself, it can do little more than soften the blow upon the unsuspecting blackscale. Shard aims a pair of low swings at the lizard's feet, trying to knock it off balance to set up a further assault from the rest of the group. The chastised blackscales continue a more orderly assault on the crystalline crusader in return, spreading out their formation.

Blackscales to B4/C5, F2/G3. Dracotaur to D0/E1.

AoO on Trunk: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack on Grimmgang: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Shard's Vanguard Strike: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5], and allies get +4 to hit the north one for a round

Attack on Shard: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]
Attack on Shard: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Attack on Shard: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]
Attack on Shard: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang dodgedsideways to avoid a brutal spear thrust when the dracotaur leader joined the fray. He went under the guard of the blackscale next to him to rejoin the rest of his troupe and get out of the dracotaurs range, then attacked with a horizontal cut of his purple-glimmering axe aimed at the lizards vitals.

tumble to G3
that piece of jungle may become troublesome for them, now the blackscales block the way for the dracotaur to join the fight

Mountain Hammer
attack [roll0]
damage [roll1] + [roll2] maneuver + [roll3] Skirmish

[FuryOfMetal]

With her target hastily despatched, Drasil wonders why her comrade was so eager to switch places with the kill so close at hand. Never the less she moves in support of Trunk, biting and clawing at the legs of the huge Lizard and it's strange powers. Trunk notices that his friend now stands by him and is heartened by her success. This drives him on in the fight, his shield of faith strengthening with his resolve.

Drasil moves to F4 an attacks for 100 damage! Maybe.
[roll0] [roll1]

Trunk remains where he is.
[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]
[roll6] [roll7]

[FuryOfMetal]

Told you she'd hit for 100 damage, max damage critical. Do you just double the original roll or roll damage again for the bonus? Each group is different in my experience. [roll0] incase you want another roll.

Confirming [roll1]
Come on girl!

[MoleMage]

Daiya continues to put her effort into calling on the storm, and calls a second bolt of lightning down, to strike the nearest blackscale.

[Sallera]

Trunk's feral assault draws the blackscale's attention long enough for Drasil to approach past its club and leap upward, sinking her teeth into the scales at its throat. Reeling backward, it raises its arms to fend off the wooden canine, allowing Grimmgang's spinning strike to smash its ribs inward, and it falls heavily to the ground. The dracotaur moves in, spear lashing at Grimmgang almost before the blackscale is finished dying. The second blackscale continues a fighting withdrawal from Shard's defensive wall, the two of them locked so intently in their engagement that it barely notices the half-deflected bolt of lightning.

Dracotaur to D1/E2, Shard to D5, blackscale to A4/B5.

AoO on Drasil: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack on Grimmgang: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Shard's Crusader Strike: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5] + [roll6] healing to Grimmgang

Attack on Shard: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]
Attack on Shard: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]

[TheFallenOne]

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/1448/lich.png
that way the map is easier for me to edit while your computer is disassembled

sorry for taking my time with ROund 95 Sallera, with exams coming close it's hard for me to have a hobby be that workintensive and nervewrecking

Grimmgang had little time to celebrate another blackscale falling before his axe as moments later a savage spear thrust pierced his flesh, making the dwarf struggle to keep his balance. To his surprise, as soon as the spear was pulled out again he felt healing energy flow into him, mending the wound and filling him with new energy.
Spitting out blood, Grimmgang advanced on the dracotaur, determined to retaliate in kind.

tumble to E0, hopefully giving the others a flank [roll0] DC 25

regain maneuvers
attack with full stone bones [roll1] 8 temp hp
damage [roll2] + [roll3] Skirmish

[FuryOfMetal]

Drasil moves in, opposite Grimmgang, to help disorientate the Dracotaur. She lunges in for the meat of it's front thighs, hoping to bite deep and bite hard. Trunk stands infront of the Dracotaur, blinding it with his shimmering radiance and aims for the chest.

Drasil moves to E3, flanking etc. [roll0] [roll1]

Trunk moves to F2, swings a claw in. [roll2] [roll3]

[FuryOfMetal]

Drasil is such a beast right now! Confirmation [roll0] extra damage [roll1]

Hmm don't think that's a hit, shame.

[MoleMage]

"Now there's a foe I don't believe I've encountered before." Daiya murmurs from inside her cloud.

My cloud is still up right? I've lost track of rounds. Anyhow, I'm going to run for cover if it isn't, and if it is stay where I am, then call down a lightning bolt on the dracotaur.

[roll0]

[Sallera]

The dracotaur's lashing tail keeps Trunk from closing effectively, and it leans back with calculated precision, smirking as well as a creature without lips can as the claw swishes harmlessly through the air half an inch in front of its chest. Its self-absorbed delight is short-lived, however, as Drasil tears one of its front legs open and it falls heavily to one knee. Losing the use of a limb does not hamper it as well as it might a bipedal creature, and it attacks Grimmgang with a broad sweep of its spear, before snapping at Drasil and leaning heavily onto its unwounded side, whipping its tail around to club her away while simultaneously flicking Grimmgang's axe aside with a claw. Even Daiya's bolt of lightning manages only to singe its already damaged leg. Shard's defensive wall doesn't falter, despite both combatants drawing blood or essence, and it plants its feet firmly, striking straight ahead with a precisely defined thrust of the massive blade. Responding in kind, the blackscale takes advantage of Shard's immobile stance with a spinning strike of its club.

AoO on Trunk: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack on Grimmgang: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Attack on Drasil: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
Attack on Drasil: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Shard's Stone Bones: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Attack on Shard: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]
Attack on Shard: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]

[TheFallenOne]

With Drasil maiming one of the Dracotaurs legs, Grimmgang seized the opportunity to approach his enemies flank. With the creature leaning sideways because of it's injury, the dwarf lept into the air to slam his axe viciously down onto the Dracotaurs spine.

tumble to C1, flanking with Trunk
edit: and promptly forgetting flanking bonus

Mountain Hammer
[roll0]
[roll1] + [roll2] + [roll3]

[MoleMage]

"Urgh, I can still feel that poison. I think I'm getting dizzy. We'd better finish this quickly." Daiya calls down yet another bolt of lightning, this time trying to impair the blackscale's support, and then she draws one of the vials of Alchemist's Fire from her belt, cocking her arm to strike the dracotaur.

[FuryOfMetal]

With one leg battered and broken, Trunk attacks the other. If they could bring it down to their level, Grimmgang could perform a killing blow with his axe. Surrounded, the Dracotaur continues to take hits from all directions.

Trunks full attack
[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
[roll4] [roll5]

Drasil
[roll6]
[roll7]

[TekHed]

Hey! Looks like I'll be jumping back in...can't find the ooc thread so if someone can post the link and the one to the pc thread I'd be much obliged...

[Sallera]

Right here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171407) You're up, so feel free to take your turn.

[TekHed]

So going through it looks like all that's happened to Shard since I've been away has been that he spent 2 more power points (in futility, mostly, though I would like to point out that the first time he hit it was a threat which was never confirmed and he did heal max hp to Grimmgang with his Crusader Strike. :smallsmile:), and he has taken a total of 3 points of damage so far total.

I'm not sure how many rounds it's been or where my maneuvers are at so for simplicity sake I'm going to reset and roll for my first two maneuvers:

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2] and an extra in case one is a duplicate...

Edit: So Crusader Strike and Charging Minotaur


Using Knowledge Devotion to try and gain some leverage on these things...

[roll3] Yay! Bare minimum for a +1 to hit and damage!

and let's do an Attack roll (I'm not sure which square I'm in since the map has been down, whichever one I'm currently engaged with and Shard won't move so...

[roll4] (Too bad I lost my Steely Resolve already...)
In case it's a threat: [roll5]

Um...not even. What? My BAB is +2 :smallannoyed: At least I can tank like a mofo. Yeah...my job for awhile is going to be to draw fire, not get hurt and heal you guys.

And damage: [roll6]


Shard looked to the light within for aid. The illumination gifted him it knowledge of these children of night.

Strengthened with holy purpose, Shard swung, but the large creature was quicker than the pondering man of mineral and it landed wide. Still it's foe was hampered. So long as the beast remained engaged here, it would not be a threat to Shard's companions. Inwardly however, Shard worried about Daiya. She had been rather grievously injured by the dusklings poison and it could take quite some time before she would be at full strength.


Returning from it's thoughts, Shard prepared for the inevitable blow...

[Sallera]

Trunk's assault overwhelms the dracotaur, knocking it backward into Grimmgang's life-severing axeblow. Shard's blow is easily turned aside, but the blackscale's wings cannot offer enough protection to save it from Daiya's bolt of lightning, and it, too, falls to the ground. The clearing falls silent for a minute as Daiya's cloud fades, the temple's strike force having fared little better than its scouts.

Shard has taken 7 damage, actually; 3 from the attack and 4 from the fire splash damage. The crit confirm roll wasn't missed, just done in OOC. And I believe your wand should have had two charges used from before, one for Drasil and one for Trunk.

Secondary poison for Daiya: DC16 fort or [roll0] con damage

[TekHed]

Unles I'm mistaken Shard's DR works against fire damage. I'll take 2 charges off the wand.

[TheFallenOne]

Grimmgang breathed heavily, bleeding from multiple smaller wounds and a deeper one caused by the dracotaurs spear. Taking a welcome moment of respite, he touched one of the moonstones on his belt, concentrating for an instant to let the items regenerative energy flow into him.
Seeing no new enemies arriving from the temple, he gave a deep grumble of relief and made sure that none of their enemies would be getting up again, splitting heads where he suspected any life remaining. While he went after his unsavory buisness, he asked "Daiya, can you still sense that poison dusk that tailed it? For all we know, he is their last tracker, so he could mean the difference between a healthy nights rest and a midnight raid. We should take him out if at all possible." In their time together, the dward had developed a deep appreciation for the blind womans unreckoned awareness. During the train travel he even put it to the test multiple times, trying to sneak up on her; not out of malice or trickery, but because an understanding of his companions abilities was vital to him.

sorry for only mentioning that in a flashback, could have been an interesting situation to roleplay. But it fits the character

[roll0]

[TekHed]

I almost wish we had had an opportunity roleplay some of the journey. How long do you reckon it took us from being hired, to the train, and on the boat, until we got to QBarra?

[TheFallenOne]

about a week (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9561409&postcount=25)

While there could have been interesting situations, it works well for me how we did it. Grimmgang would've been gruff and unpleasant company, but now he'll slowly open up to the others after they acquired his trust by working together well in battle

[Sallera]

DR only works against physical attacks, not energy damage.

Daiya, the last you heard of the lizardfolk, it was headed east away from the battle, but you can't sense it anywhere nearby right now.

[TekHed]

Huh...I didn't realize that. I suppose it makes sense though, since that is what energy resistance is for. Okay I'll mark them off.

[FuryOfMetal]

I personally forgot that wooden warforged have DR2/slashing until the last few rounds. Instead of backtracking through every round and recalculating my health I just implemented it from then on. Which makes me think, does this DR continue into wildshape? Also, begin search for PHAT LEWTStm

Recovering from the vicious moments of battle, Trunk never the less doesn't drop his shield of light or return to his more vulnerable form. There could be more, hiding outside of Daiya's sight, waiting to ambush them as they relaxed. Turning away from Grimmgangs necessary work, Trunk looks into the huts a few feet away and then into those on the other side of the clearing that they'd purged of enemies.

[MoleMage]

Fortitude Save [roll0]

Daiya pales momentarily, panting, then seems to shake off the effects of the poison in her veins.

"The little one? He escaped. Went that way," Daiya gestures to east, indicating where the blackscale ran to. "Here now, let's see if they have anything magical on them."

Using my Sense Magic ability to pinpoint and collect all the magical items on the fallen enemies.

[Sallera]

Trunk finds nothing in the huts, but a search of the corpses turns up an assortment of jewelery with draconic motifs. Daiya manages to locate three potions of unknown use.

[TekHed]

Shard's stance straightens from its crouched blocking position. Now that the sounds of battle have died down the soft ghostly sounds of its movement can be heard once more.

"Such Darkness in these ones. Why have they turned from the light?"

Shard sidesteps, narrowly missing a gout of blood that spits through the air as Grimmgang buries his blade into a faintly twitching blackscale body.

It approaches Daiya, resting a surprisingly warm hand upon her shoulder.

"My friend you are not well, I am concerned. It seems as though we must track down the escaped sentry. I will accompany you."

[TheFallenOne]

sorry Tekhed, missed your post there. You sure Shard should go on the hunting? He's too easily noticed I think. Daiya and Grimm have the best senses, so I guess they should go

Grimmgang nodded at Daiya. "I'll see if I can track him down, give me some minutes."
He entered the edge of the jungle, covering his body with the green cloak over his shoulders. He backtracked through the thick undergrowth in a half-circle until he arrived south of the huts where the lizard had retreated to until he found a trail to follow. The poison dusks were adept at hiding, but like everything else they left subtle clues and he had come to recognize the hints of their smell; the bitter taste of their toadstool venom and their scales that had a slight smell reminiscent of rotten cinnamon when wet. Carefully skulking between the trees, he tried to sneak up on his enemy.

OK, that with the smell was made up, no idea what lizards are supposed so smell like

Hide and Move Silently take 10 for 21 each, not counting terrain penalties/boni

I'll try to find him with Scent or passive [roll0]
If I find a trail of him instead, follow it [roll1] hm... well, assuming the ground is not hard and including +1 DC for small that would narrowly succeed, though there may be other modifiers I'm missing. why didn't I think of taking 10...
I can also use Scent to track if survival fails

Edit:
Before leaving, Grimmgang spared a glance at the toadstool the lizards used to poison their arrows. "Trunk, your kind is immune to poison, right? Take that thing, it could be useful."

that wasn't a command, Grimmgang just doesn't know when to say please. Course, you're free to misunderstand his language as trying to give orders to the rest of the party. Go go intra-group conflict :smalltongue:

[Sallera]

Grimmgang manages to follow the lizardfolk's scent, catching traces of its passage that take him on a wide circle around the battlefield, leaving the tree cover near the temple entrance. From the direction it was traveling, the creature was likely heading inside.

[TheFallenOne]

Cursing under his breath, Grimmgang backtracked the way he came. His profanity-ridden muttering was audible to the others before any other sign of him was noticable until he emerged from a piece of jungle where moments ago there seemed to be nothing except trees, dirt and bushes.

"He tailed it into the temple", the dwarf reported while readjusting his cloak and brushing some stray leaves from his shoulders. He leaned with his back against one of the huts, sighing. "They may try to track us to make a raid while we're resting. When we retreat to our hideout one of you has to lead, I'll try to cover our tracks and lay some false ones."
He made about collecting the weapons he judged as valuable. Anything else, he smashed with powerful blows of his axe so they couldn't be collected and used by the remaining lizards. He clearly had some steam to blow off.

if no one looted the weapons and armor yet, I'll stash anything of masterwork quality.
Any normal weapons will get smashed with Mountain Hammer.

I'll also collect some more poisoned arrows; or does the poison go bad over time?

[Sallera]

The poison dusks' weapons and the dracotaur's massive pike appear to be of fine make, although the latter's practicality is somewhat questionable. As far as you can tell, the remaining six poisoned arrows from the archers' quivers are similar to the ones used by the poison dusks on the path, and still useable, but the ones soaking in the toadstools are somewhat different - uncured, perhaps.

[FuryOfMetal]

At the first oppurtunity that everybody is in the local vicinity, Trunk casts a large healing enchantment to bring everybody back to full working order.

I don't know much about poisoncraft but we could...cook them? well, Shard can as he's immune to poison.

Also everybody gains 15hp from mass lesser vigor because we might aswell.

Also lets knowledge nature this toadstall for...no reason! [roll0]

[TheFallenOne]

I wouldn't call it no reason. Market price of spotted toadstool is 350 GP per dose, if we figure ot how to weaponize the raw stuff we're in for a treat. Not to mention that using it in the upcoming fights could give us an edge against what's in the temple. 1d6 strength, DC 16 is a nice debuff for blackscales and the like

[FuryOfMetal]

In which case there is very much a reason. I doubt my knowledge nature could tell us also how to prepare it. Also I believe there's craft: poisonmaking for that anyway. I think that we should try and introduce the mushrooms to my wooden body and create our own poison farm...If we can't properly prepare the mushroom we could always try and sneakily make them ingest it raw, somehow...

[Sallera]

Trunk:The spotted toadstool is a relatively rare giant fungus that usually grows from one to two feet high. The wide cap is edible, albeit extremely foul-tasting, but the core of black spores clustered around the top of the stem contains the toxin from which the poison is derived, and can also be dangerous if inhaled, although they are not always in a state of release. There is a method for concentrating the toxin into a useable form, but it is not widely known, and mostly practiced by jungle dwellers.

[FuryOfMetal]

If we have no use for it we could trade it to those lizardfolk we met on the way, or worm the knowledge of how to do it from any prisoners we find or take.

[TheFallenOne]

speaking of prisoners, I hope he's still there

sounds like a plan. Well, the poison dusks simply stuck their arrows in the toadstool instead of extracting poison, so I guess if you don't cut it up anything stuck into it over a longer time absorbs the poison

if we manage to extract poison somehow, I have two empty vials from the antidotes I used

When Trunks magic slowly mended his wounds, Grimmgang nodded thankfully to his companion. "So, should we retire for the day? Our ressources are taxed and we lost the surprise element. Maybe it's better to attack the temple tomorrow, rested and prepared.

[MoleMage]

"We should put some distance between us and them. Probably approach the temple from a different angle. If that blackscale made it all the way there, he'll have the whole place in a frenzy."

Daiya collects the potions, setting them in a compartment apart from the rest of her belongings, and checks her arrows and sword before they set out, habitually making sure her belongings have not fallen out while she was focused on combat.

[TekHed]

Fury of Metal:

You might want to spoiler tag OOC posts in the IC thread. :smallwink: Thanks for the healing!


In which case there is very much a reason. I doubt my knowledge nature could tell us also how to prepare it. Also I believe there's craft: poisonmaking for that anyway. I think that we should try and introduce the mushrooms to my wooden body and create our own poison farm...If we can't properly prepare the mushroom we could always try and sneakily make them ingest it raw, somehow...

[TekHed]

Shard nods.

"Yes we should all be at full strength, especially Daiya. She took the brunt of their poison darts. As I am the most resilient as well as the most conspicuous, I shall lead the way to our hideout whilst you cover our tracks good Grimmgang."

[TheFallenOne]

The dwarf gave a short nod at Shard. "Lead the way then, best the same route we came. Try to move carefully."
A moment later, they passed the cage with the many-armed creature inside, which gave Grimmgang pause. "What about this one? It doesn't seem domesticated so I see no need to kill it, but I can't be sure... And the bugger seems aggrevated enough to attack us if we set him free. I could try damaging the cage so it manages to break out some minutes after we leave."

if the others judge this as the right course - I honestly have no idea - I Mountain Hammer a bit of the cage 2 minutes after the others left. Enough to break the wood, but it would still need to tear the broken piece out and squeeze through a rather small opening, giving me time to tail it. Hopefully. May not be worth the risk.

Grimmgang stayed a bit behind the rest of the group, covering their tracks best as he could, blurring the footprints, covering the tracks with leaves in a way that seemed natural. Two times, after a third and two thirds of the way, where he judged the trail they left the hardest to follow, he went to the left and right respectively, deliberately leaving tracks to confuse any pursuers. He walked half-circles for this to make the taken route seem more natural than a sudden bend. After some time of leaving footprints and breaking small branches he stopped, backtracking the way he came, this time taking care that nothing betrayed that someone walked back from the dead end of the trail.

Survival
first false trail [roll0]
second false trail [roll1]

I'm putting Trackless Step to good use, can you believe it. In the class feature foodchain, that one's very close to the bottom

[TekHed]

I'm putting Trackless Step to good use, can you believe it. In the class feature foodchain, that one's very close to the bottom

It's got great flavor though!

[Sallera]

The hidden dell is just as you left it, and the sun is starting to sink toward the horizon by the time Grimmgang finishes throwing off any potential pursuit. Your prisoner is still present and secured, and appears to be taking a nap.

[FuryOfMetal]

Woops! Probably had the wrong thread open by accident or didn't spoiler it, I'll edit that now. As for the cage we could either leave it, Grimms plan or maybe tie rope around the cage door and pull it from a distance? We don't really know what it is.

I'll roll knowledge nature now and then check if I've already rolled it, if so I'll edit this out....[roll0]

:edit: I did roll it but I must have edited it in as the script failed.

[Sallera]

That doesn't tell you anything about the cage's contents. The door is barred, not locked, if that makes a difference to your planning.

[TheFallenOne]

well, Grimmgang knows you're a Druid, so he will trust your judgement on it

<moved>

edit:
well, I suppose I could Mountain Hammer a gash into the bar, enough to lower the break DC to a manageable level for the beast

[MoleMage]

"I say free the beast. He deserves not this cage, and besides if we leave him they may turn him against us." Daiya is clearly exhausted when they reach their little hidden glade, but seems determined to hold up her share of the work nonetheless. She immediately begins setting up a not-quite-camp where they will be able to sleep sheltered from the elements but not be hindered from leaving quickly or removing traces if they have time.