Rise of the Runelords IC

[Erloas]

"I'm ready when you are Justin. Pick our door and lets go."

[CasualViking]

Lizuga

Next to Justin, Lizuga nods silently, coiled like a spring.

[Ghostfoot]

Iris

Standing back bow at the ready Iris trills a short tune calling on Shelyn's guidance.

Spoiler: Actions

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Cast guidance
Ready to go!

[u-b]

Ready for action, you open the door behind which you hear some sounds. Behind the door is a small 10x10 feet room illuminaned only by outside sources. There are cages all along the walls of this room, not unlike the rabbit cages you've seen above. In cages, there are a total of 10 goblin babies. "Hoo!" one of them says. "Agaga!" exclaims another.

Spoiler: Goblin

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Nope. These are not proper words.

[Spore]

The goblin daycare took Adalbert by surprise. He knew goblins are literally demonic spawns. He knew they would likely grow up to cause chaos and havoc. He knew their kin killed dozens of glass blowers in the most cruel and sadistic ways. But Adalbert could not harm one for the deeds of its kind. Adalbert followed the enigmatic secrets of Ng, even so far as that one of his minor followers granted him power over the earth spirits. But his philosophy aligned most with the deity of Shelyn, particularly the part about any evil creature having the potential to become good again.

He turns to his friends and says. These infants deserve a chance at life that is uncorrupted by the teachings of the demonic gods the goblins usually worship. My baser instincts calls for purging all of them. But I cannot ignore the possibility that they could grow up to be decent creatures. And I will not ignore your opinions as well.

He approaches Iris. Shelyn teaches forgiveness above all. Now these creatures haven't done anything yet but I assume you are on the side of adopting these infants, am I right?

Next to Lizuga: Sarenrae welcomes redeemed ones as her kin, so I assume you are for saving them too?

Lebwen: I feel you do not care one way or another. But I will only take our vote as unanimous. These ones deserve to live and have a chance at being decent little menaces. Adalbert smiles.

Lastly Justin: I was suggesting those things find shelter with your aunt, but I do not know if she can forgive their race for killing your uncle. You are the highest ranking guard of Sandpoint, so you should decide if the town can shelter a group of goblins, or if it should not. Then ... Adalbert stares into the middle distance. it might be best for these ones to perish, to avoid becoming prey to the local wildlife.

After that horrific thought, Adalbert needs to distract himself. He approaches a crib and tries to play with one of the goblin kids. Maybe pampering it. He does his rounds to check if any are wounded or sick. Even if he is the LEAST qualified of the whole group to do that. Lizuga sees Adalbert putting his pinky into a goblin baby butt to test its temperature. He magically cleans it afterwards.

Spoiler

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Diplomacy (to make the babies like him): (1d20+8)[22]
Heal (to make sure the kids are well) (1d20-1)[15]

[CasualViking]

Lizuga

Lizuga leans her hammer against the wall. She pulls of her mail glove, rubs her face and sighs deeply.

[CasualViking]

"Of course we are not leaving them here to die. We should get them back to the Cathedral immediately."

[u-b]

The goblin baby seems quite happy to play with the new goblin caretaker. Less happy with having its butt violated, but there seems to be no lasting grudge after Adalbert pulls his finger and resumes playing again. Another goblin baby, seemingly envious of the treatment someone else receives, hits the first baby with an animal bone, of which there are a few lying around in the cages, possibly either as toys or remains of the meals. All of the babies, and especially their cages, seem not quite clean, but Adalbert sees no signs of any obvious ilness. There are definitely no wounds.

[Erloas]

"How long does it take goblins to grow up? We could have our own little army" Lebwen says, clearly joking.

"Keeping their children in cages it is no surprise that they grow up as cruel as they do. For those of us of the mortal persuasion, I don't think any are outside the possibility of being productive members of the world. I would say, however, that I'm not in a situation to raise a child, let alone many, of any race. I don't know how we want to handle it, but I think we should leave that up to those in charge of the city and church, as they're ultimately going to have to be the ones to take care of them.

Seeing as they all appear to be ok right now, I think we need to finish checking these rooms before we worry about exactly what we want to do with them."

[edit: added a not]

[Ghostfoot]

Iris

"Oh....um, yes well I don't know about adopting them," she winces at Adalberts attempts to check them over "perhaps a secluded monastery far far away from civilisation. A kindly matron ideally olfactorily challenged is what they need."

There is after all a difference between mercy and martyrdom.

[DrK]

Justin

Justin pauses, weapons in hand before his eyes play over the tiny green baby creatures. "Disgusting creatures. But what can we do? " Looking around he motions at the baby goblins. "I cannot end these things, but why don't we leave them here until the rest of this place is sorted out. Then we can work out what to do?" Glancing down the corrridor he motions, "Shall we try the other doors and hope to not unearth any more morale challenges?"

[CasualViking]

Lizuga

Lizuga glares disapprovingly at Justin, and angrily picks up her hammer from its rest against the wall. She angrily marches further on.

[Spore]

"How long does it take goblins to grow up? We could have our own little army" Lebwen says, clearly joking.

"Keeping their children in cages it is no surprise that they grow up as cruel as they do.

Adalbert smiles at the joke but cannot resist the temptation to start a lecture about goblins again. Well, goblins tend to keep them in cages and throw food inside. Whoever survives this for a few years grows up to be an adult goblin. And they mature extremely quickly, about a decade is only needed. Of course this vile treatment makes them prone to cannibalism.

Adalbert looks at the bones, in an concerned manner.

Spoiler

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Know (Nature) take 10 for 17, to check if those are humanoid bones and/or goblin bones.

Lizuga

Lizuga glares disapprovingly at Justin, and angrily picks up her hammer from its rest against the wall. She angrily marches further on.

Miss Lizuga, you seem upset? Adalbert adds as he prestidigitates all the goblins clean.

[u-b]

There seem to be only animal bones in the cages. Only medium and medium-large bones are present. Adalbert could speculate that goblins probably don't want their spawn to choke on small bones. It takes some time to clean all the goblins (and, presumably, most of the cages to match), but nothing disturbs the operation and the babies do not seem to mind.

[Spore]

These ones are not cannibals yet. They might be easi.....er to raise then. But I agree. We can leave them as is. They are spawned from hungering demon dogs, so feeding will not effect anything. Adalbert deliberately closes the door, and follows the others.

[u-b]

You leave the room with goblin babies and, observing no difference between the other doors, choose one leading east, mostly at random. Behind the door is a short dark corridor leading to what seems some kind of storage room... or maybe it would be more correct to call it "storage cave". Crates, barrels, and mounds of miscellaneous refuse lie heaped against the walls here. You hear the sound of crashing surf from the passage to the north. You decide to check where the passage leads. It leads to another cave, with a smooth, strangely polished, floor. To its east is a thick curtain of vines and nettles through which you can barely see the sea some distance below. Suddenly, you notice a movement on the uneven ceiling above. Some tentacled aberration unfurls two of its longer tentacles while looking at you with many variously-sized eyes.

Spoiler

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Init:
Justin (1d20+4)[14]
Lizuga (1d20+1)[16]
Iris (1d20+6)[26]
Tentamort (1d20+5)[7]

Tentamort is on the ceiling and requires reach to be hit in melee.

=> Justin, Lizuga and Iris

[CasualViking]

Lizuga

"GET IT", Lizuga bellows. There is no trace of respect for all life in her as she tries to impale the tentacled thing on the spike of her hammer.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Swift - Encouraging roar
Standard - Curate's strike with Lucerne Hammer (1d20+9)[28], (1d12+6)[11]

Spoiler: Defense, AoO etc.

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Spoiler: Attack of Opportunity #1 (reach)

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Lucerne Hammer (1d20+9)[17], (1d12+6)[14] - or shield bash (1d20+8)[19], (1d4+6)[10].

Spoiler: AoO #2 (Combat Reflexes)

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Lucerne Hammer (1d20+9)[13], (1d12+6)[14] - or or shield bash (1d20+8)[23], (1d4+6)[9]

Spoiler: AC and other defenses

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AC 19 (+1 Dex, +2 Shield, +6 armor). Counter: Oaken Shield (+4 AC)

Spoiler: Fort save

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(1d20+4)[13]

Spoiler: Ref save

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(1d20+2)[4]

Spoiler: Will save

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(1d20+6)[17]

Spoiler: Resource tracking

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Maneuvers readied: Oaken Shield, Encouraging Roar, Curates Strike, Piercing Strike.
Triage: 3/3
Hit Points: 24/24

Sheet link

[DrK]

Justen

Justen looks up in the light and sees the weird beast stuck to the ceiling. He ducks back as Lizuga leaps in and stabs up from the other side, "What manner of creature is this?" He lunges upwards inspired by his new healing friend.

Spoiler: OOC

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Attack (one attack gets +5ft from stance)
- (1d20+10)[25] dam (2d6+8)[12]

If attacked and hit then try and negate with dancing counter (1d20+10)[24]

HPs 20/28 +9 temp
Saves +5/5/3 +2 Vs Death/Fatigue/Exhaust/Poison
AC 18 (FF 14 Touch 14)

Conditions:
Indomitable Presence: Adopt as Free (All allies within 30-ft. of his position gain the benefits of the Die Hard feat, and may add his warlord initiation modifier (+2) to Fortitude saves versus death effects, fatigue or exhaustion effects, or poison effects as a morale bonus.)

[Ghostfoot]

Iris

"Ugh! Too many eyes!" even Iris' sympathy for all creatures is tested by the strange lurker. She lets off a couple of shots as Lizuga and Justin try to skewer it.

Spoiler: Rolls & Status

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Full: Longbow (1d20+8)[18] (+2 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon, -2 Rapid Shot, +1 Point Blank, +2 encouraging roar) damage (1d8+5)[10] (+2 Str, +1 Point Blank, +2 encouraging roar)
Longbow (1d20+8)[15] (+2 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon, -2 Rapid Shot, +1 Point Blank, +2 encouraging roar) damage (1d8+5)[10] (+2 Str, +1 Point Blank, +2 encouraging roar)

Immediate (if needed): Agent of Chance (one adjacent ally to reroll a skill check)
Immediate (If attacked): Adoration - immediate sanctuary (Will DC13)

Iris of Shelyn
F NG Human (Varisian) Inquisitor (Urban Infiltrator), Level 3, Init 6, HP 17/17, Speed 30ft
AC 18, Touch 14, Flat-footed 14, CMD 18, Fort 1, Ref 5, Will 4, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 2
MW Composite Longbow (+2 Str) +7 (+2 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon) (1d8+2, x3)
Morningstar (two-handed) +4 (+2 BAB, +2 Str) (1d8+3, x2)
Dagger +4 (+2 BAB, +2 Str) or ranged +6 (+2 BAB, +4 Dex) (1d4+2, 19-20/ x2)
Mithral MW Chain Shirt Armour (+4 Armor, +4 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18, Con 8, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 10
Condition
Lucky Number [16] (24 hours): reroll or +2 Luck bonus if number [16] rolled
Indomitable Presence (Justin): All allies within 30-ft. of Justin gain the benefits of the Die Hard feat, and +2 morale to Fortitude saves versus death effects, fatigue or exhaustion effects, or poison effects
Spoils of War Stance (Lizuga): Allies within 30' heal 4 hp when they hit with an attack (once per round).
Encouraging roar in effect. +2 [morale] to hit and damage

[Spore]

...and that is why clean goblins are important. If they're infested or sick with parasites, this falls into clerical territory. Adalbert berates Lebwen. Huh, where are the others?

[u-b]

Lizuga spikes the tentacled thing for 11 damage. Justin reaches up and hits it for another 12 damage. Iris aims at the thing when it strikes out with a stinger and, despite the sanctuary immediately activated by Iris, hits for 7 damage. Iris continues to shoot two arrows, hitting with one for 10 damage, but missing with the other. The tentacled thing seems focused on its chosen prey, missing with the stinger, but hitting with the grabber, constricting one of Iris' arms for 3 damage and establishing a hold.

Spoiler

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Tentamort will: (1d20+7)[18] vs sanctuary success
Tentamort stinger AoO: (1d20+6)[23] for (1d6+2)[7] plus fort vs poison ((1d4)[2] CON plus nausea)
Iris fort: (1d20+3)[20] success
Tentamort stinger: (1d20+6)[12] for (1d6+2)[5] plus fort vs poison ((1d4)[1] CON plus nausea)
Tentamort grabber: (1d20+2)[22] for (1d6+1)[3] plus grab (1d20+10)[18] vs CMD success
Tentamort grabber confirm: (1d20+2)[12] for (1d6+1)[7]

Iris is grappled. Tentamort is on the ceiling and holding onto her with a tentacle.

=> Party (everyone, any order)

[Spore]

Adalbert rushes in to help but is overwhelmed. Is ... that a Tentamort? Stay away from its stinger and tentacles. It is poisonous. Lady Iris! he exclaims

Spoiler

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Naturalist +2 atk/saves/AC vs. a Tentamort.

I assume a 17 (taking 10) in whatever the frick this is does the trick

[CasualViking]

Lizuga gently slaps Iris on the arm to heal her. "Call out if you're poisoned, okay?". Then she moves around to impale the tentacled monster.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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swift action to give Iris fast healing
5' step to avoid cover penalties
Lucerne Hammer (1d20+7)[15], (1d12+4)[7] EDIT: forgot Naturalist - AC 17.

Spoiler: Defense, AoO etc.

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add +2 from Naturalist

Spoiler: Attack of Opportunity #1 (reach)

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Lucerne Hammer (1d20+7)[17], (1d12+4)[13] - or shield bash (1d20+6)[16], (1d4+4)[6].

Spoiler: AoO #2 (Combat Reflexes)

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Lucerne Hammer (1d20+7)[8], (1d12+4)[5] - or or shield bash (1d20+6)[19], (1d4+4)[8]

Spoiler: AC and other defenses

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AC 19 (+1 Dex, +2 Shield, +6 armor). Counter: Oaken Shield (+4 AC)

Spoiler: Fort save

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(1d20+4)[20]

Spoiler: Ref save

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(1d20+2)[5]

Spoiler: Will save

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(1d20+6)[25]

Spoiler: Resource tracking

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Maneuvers readied: Oaken Shield, Encouraging Roar, Curates Strike, Piercing Strike.
Triage: 2/3
Hit Points: 24/24

Sheet link

[u-b]

Adalbert rushes in to explain how to fight a tentamort. This makes a difference as Lizuga thrusts her lucerne hammer into the thing for 7 damage, barely overcoming its tough skin. The tentamort loses grip of the ceiling and falls to the stone floor of the cave, seemingly unconscious.

[Ghostfoot]

Iris

Iris rolls away from the creature, unwrapping herself from its limp appendages. She groans as she slowly regains her feet. "Thanks. I don't think it poisoned me." She rubs her bruised ribs as they start to come right. "What was that, a tentamort? I've never heard of such a thing".

[DrK]

Justin

Justin steps aside hurriedly as the weird rubbery creature lands on the floor with a wet splat. He thrusts forward with his sword making sure to finish it off before nodding to Lizuga. "Good work! We are lucky to have you and your hammer with us I think. Without your skills at keeping us alive we wouldn't have survived so far." Wiping the ichor from the sword he looked around the rest of the room in the dim light. "A strange place this under level..."

Spoiler: OOC

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HPs 24/28 +9 temp
Saves +5/5/3 +2 Vs Death/Fatigue/Exhaust/Poison
AC 18 (FF 14 Touch 14)

Conditions:
Indomitable Presence: Adopt as Free (All allies within 30-ft. of his position gain the benefits of the Die Hard feat, and may add his warlord initiation modifier (+2) to Fortitude saves versus death effects, fatigue or exhaustion effects, or poison effects as a morale bonus.)

[u-b]

You explore the rest of the cave, of which there is some more behind another narrow passage. Dozens of strange dead bodies lie scattered about that room. Most are sea birds and ospreys, but there are six dead goblins as well. Each body is literally skin and bones, as if all of the interior organs and muscles have somehow been drained away, leaving behind skeletons draped with leathery, slowly rotting skin. Also, there is a closed door leading west.

Spoiler

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[Spore]

Monsters like that tend to drain you after they've poisoned you. I think they are close to arachnids in that regard. We should continue. If I have learned anything in my travels resting in low quality inns, it is that you never truly can get rid of spiders. I feel this is true here too. Adalbert voices his concern, and after a quick check for traps, he opens the door.

[u-b]

A quick check of the door does not reveal any traps. Adalbert tries to open it... it doesn't budge. Not having a record of delicacy about the doors here, you force this one open. As you do, you find out that a latch on the western side was preventing it from opening. Behind the door is a corridor leading to yet another corridor, with some fancy double doors at the corridors' intersection. The corridor going from north to south is illuminated by lanterns hanging from the walls - one near the intersection and another in a small room to the north, the door to which is open. The norhern room seems to contain a lot of goblin wall art, but what catches your primary attention now is the art on the double doors leading west. The large stone doors are carved with images of horrific, deformed monsters clawing their way out of pregnant women of all races.

Spoiler: Religion 15

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The scene depicted on the doors is one common to churches of Lamashtu.

Spoiler

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[Spore]

This does not bode well, my friends. The Mother of Monsters is revered here too. It feels we are on the right track however. Should we face the problem head-on and go through the double doors or secure our retreat?