Rise of the Runelords IC

[DrK]

Justin

Justin enjoys the day despite the strange mission they are on, the swamps, although tough going were new and exciting and he enjoyed the conversation with the others even as they waded through the knee deep mud and battled through the thick tufts of weeds and other grasses. Reaching their camp site at night he was tired but relieved to roll over in the hammock and the netting. He sleeps soundly, snoring quietly, unaware of the bats and Lebwen's heroic efforts in saving the donkey.

[Spore]

Adalbert Halfling Archivist Bard AC: 20 HP: 25/25 touch: 15, ff: 16, CMD: 15 Conditions: Wrath +1 Despite focussing on knowledge rather than adventure, Adalbert sleeps relatively sound in the uncomfortable swamps. The nights are still warm, if damp, and Adalbert quickly learned to shelter himself enough from insects and the like to not be bothered quite as easily. Despite, his dreams seem to be focussed on anger anyhow. He jabs and jolts around in his sleeping bag, as if fighting some invisible monster, strangling it.

[Ghostfoot]

Iris

Iris collapses into her bedroll after the party has made camp. With so much to grab her attention out here in the swamp and with keeping an eye on everyone to make sure nobody strayed she is exhausted. It's been a wearying and satisfying day but she is all too happy to crash to sleep now that they've found a reasonable spot to camp.

Spoiler: Spellcasting

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Recast Lucky Number for tomorrow (1d20)[3]

[CasualViking]

Lizuga

Lizuga has been in a good mood most of the day, despite carrying by far the heaviest load. At evening time, she has Iris help her out of her armor, and spends some time wringing out the padding and hanging it to dry, before sitting down to the simple meal and heading off to her hammock.

[Erloas]

Lebwen settles in beside the donkey watching the bats and occasionally casting the dancing lights again if the bats start doing anything more. Watching and waiting for his shift to get over, and ready to help when it's time for the next person to start watch.

[u-b]

Lebwen casts dancing lights again and again, moving them from here to there to ward the bats off. It works. By some time shortly before noon the overwhelming majority of the bats has left in search of some easier and more natural prey, letting you switch off the illumination and give Lebwen some rest. The rest of the night passes uneventfully. In the morning, you pack your hammocks and continue on. Pretty soon after leaving the campsite Iris notices some fresh goblin footprints. It seems two goblins were here, but did not risk to attack. It is your choice if you would like to track and encounter them.

[Ghostfoot]

Iris

"Goblins. We might have entered their territory. In any case their scouts know that we are here."

Spoiler: Question

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Are we supposed to be opening dialogue with goblins, or is it human (or at least non-goblin) inhabitants that we are looking for?

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu "Goblin scouts, eh?". She mulls it over for a while. "I didn't come out here to hunt goblins. I say we leave them be, as long as they leave us be".

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 20 (+4 counter), Touch 11, FF 19, CMD 17|Fort +5 Ref +2 Will +7|HP: 31/31

Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: (that +4 AC counter), Encouraging Roar, Armor-piercing Thrust, Curate's Strike. Phalanx Lancer Stance.

[DrK]

Justin

Justin drops down to look at the tracks carefully, and then looks at Lizuga nodding. "I agree. I'm not bothered by a couple of goblins, we saw off more than that at on THistletop." Looking about carefully he then adds a more cautious "Maybe we double the watches at night though, just in case they come back in more strength and sleep with your weapons close by."

He hefts up his own pack, tiny compared to the massive load being lugged by Lizuga but says nothing aside from giving her an embarrassed smiled, never having really met someone as strong as her before. "Shall we press on towards where we think this tower is? Be good to get as far away from the goblin territory as possible to not tempt fate?"

With his poles in his hands he starts walking happy despite the bugs and the muddy water.

[Erloas]

"Frankly I would be more suspect if we didn't see some traces of goblins. I'm also not too worried about them at this point, but I agree we need to keep an eye out for them going forward."

Lebwen helps pack up for the night and gathers his stuff, ready to head out.
Once underway he takes up a place just in front of Adalbert and the donkey.

[Spore]

Adalbert Halfling Archivist Bard AC: 20 HP: 25/25 touch: 15, ff: 16, CMD: 15 Conditions: Wrath +1 Adalbert gets unusually angry at the idea of avoiding goblins. You realized what happened last time someone left goblins to their own devices, my friends? Or do you think molten glass poured down one's throat is a pleasant experience? Adalbert refers to the massacre at the glassworks. We don't need to engage them, but I would at least want to check what they are up to. Remember that weak tribal monster such as goblins are strong when they have the upper hand. And goblins hide particularly well. If no one protests harshly, Adalbert sneaks into the bushes to check. Spoiler Show Stealth: (1d20+13)[28] (without buckler) (1d20+3)[15] Likely my last post before my move. Gonna take a while to get back online

[u-b]

Adalbert ventures into the bushes and soon disappears from sight. After some time he reappears in sight. He reports finding no goblins in the immediate vicinity.

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu "Alright, let's keep going, then. I really don't want to be tramping around a swamp actively looking for goblins any more than I absolutely have to."

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 20 (+4 counter), Touch 11, FF 19, CMD 17|Fort +5 Ref +2 Will +7|HP: 31/31

Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: (that +4 AC counter), Encouraging Roar, Armor-piercing Thrust, Curate's Strike. Phalanx Lancer Stance.

[DrK]

Justin

Justin claps Lizuga on the way back, "Aye, lets head into this beast" he grins and joins the rest walking through the woods. His stance changes subtly, as she starts to flow like panther, stopping to sniff the air occasionally. He keeps an eye out for goblins as they march leaping from tuft to tuft where possible trying to head deeper into the marsh.

Spoiler: OOC

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Running Hunter Stance grants Scent and +10ft speed
Survival check (1d20+5)[20] to find good paths through the woods
Perception (1d20+7)[23]

[u-b]

You head south, southwest and other directions when you occasionally have to take a detour. Overall, you move closer to your destination. More than once you encounter goblin footprints, but nothing as fresh as you saw in the morning. No actual goblins though. You camp for the night, which passes uneventfully. On the third day you are surprised by a bunch of wild pigs, which seem like they were also surprised. They ran away from you through the bushes. You guessed you coud hunt some, but having a plenty of food chose not to. You camp for the night again, which again passes uneventfully. On two following days you start to encounter more dangerous wild life, or, actually, signs of its presence, mostly footprints, as Iris is competent enough to warn the party ahead of time and avoid the contact. You recognise bonesnapper footprints, giant gecko footprints, but there are also some other footprints you do not recognise. So, all went well until on day six you are mightily surprised when yet another overgrown hummock stood up and started moving in your direction...

Spoiler

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Your choice if you want close encounter(s) with most of stuff mentioned above or I'll assume you pass right until you haven't much choice.

Shambling mound stealth: (1d20+16)[36]

Shambling mound init: (1d20+0)[13]
Justin init: (1d20+4)[12]
Lizuga init: (1d20+1)[10]
Adalbert init: (1d20+4)[5]
Lebwen init: (1d20+0)[16]
Iris init: (1d20+7)[20]

It is a shambling mound, a large carnivorous plant. Assume you are walking single file heading south following Iris. The shambling mound is 20 feet to the east. Assume normal terrain.

=> Iris and Lebwen

[Ghostfoot]

Iris

Iris jumps back, bow at the ready and a prayer to Shelyn on her lips. "The bushes - lookout they're alive!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard: Cast bless. Everyone +1 morale to attack rolls & saves vs fear effects
Move: Perception check make sure there's nothing behind me in the bushes (1d20+10)[25]
Misc: 5ft step away from it

Iris of Shelyn
F NG Human (Varisian) Inquisitor (Urban Infiltrator), Level 4, Init 7, HP 17/21, Speed 30ft
AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 16, CMD 21, Fort 3, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
MW Composite Longbow (+2 Str) +8 (+3 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon) (1d8+2, x3)
Morningstar (two-handed) +5 (+3 BAB, +2 Str) (1d8+3, x2)
Dagger +5 (+3 BAB, +2 Str) or ranged +7 (+3 BAB, +4 Dex) (1d4+2, 19-20/ x2)
Mithral MW Chain Shirt Armour (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Misc)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18, Con 8, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10
Condition
*Lucky Number [3](24 hours): reroll or +2 Luck bonus if number [3] 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
*Bless: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects
*Adoration: immediate sanctuary (Will DC13)
*Agent of Chance: immediate - adjacent ally can reroll a skill check

[Erloas]

As the creature moves forward Lebwen draws his sword, mutters an incantation and his sword burst into flame as he moves up to the creature to attack it yelling to his companions "I hope this thing burns"

Spoiler: OOC

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cast elemental touch - fire

attack
(1d20+6)[23]
(1d8+4)[10] damage
(1d6)[6] fire

[u-b]

Iris jumps back and issues a warning. Lebwen draws his sword, puts it aflame and comes to attack the walking plant. He's hit with one of the moving branches for 11 damage and grappled tight. Lebwen manages to hit it with the sword, but the plant is too damp to easily burn and he only deals 10 damage. The plant, in turn, squeezes Lebwen in its branch for 9 more damage. Adalbert quickly starts explaining facts about plant creatures and how you shouldn't use lightning to fight a shambling mound, because it will be worse than useless and surely worse than fire. While at it, he loads his crossbow.

Spoiler

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Slam AoO (1d20+11)[16] for (2d6+5)[11] grab (1d20+16)[31] (the thing has reach)
Lebwen's attack uses CMB instead, but is a success
Constrict (1d20+16)[24] for (2d6+7)[9]

Adalbert activates his performance (+2 insight bonus to atk/AC/saves) and gets ready to shoot his crossbow

@Lebwen: you should fix some stuff on your sheet, namely STR and what comes from it, also BAB in your weapon entries.

=> Party (except Adalbert)

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu "HAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!" With a gleeful yell, Lizuga rushes at the unruly shrubbery, fully intending to impale it on the spike on her long hammer. Encouraging Roar +2/+2 [morale] to all, Curate's Strike - (1d20+12)[26], damage - (1d12+7)[16]+(1d6)[3]

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 20 (+4 counter), Touch 11, FF 19, CMD 17|Fort +5 Ref +2 Will +7|HP: 31/31

Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: (that +4 AC counter), Encouraging Roar, Armor-piercing Thrust, Curate's Strike. Phalanx Lancer Stance.

[DrK]

Justin Kaijitsu Justin looks in suprise as the strange beast looms up out of the swmpay ground, a mass of moss, branches and twigs. As Adalbert starts to describe it Justin nods and follows Lebwen and Lizuga into the attack, "Come on then you foul beast" he shouts as he lunges forward slipping into a graceful flowing stance and drawing lunging forward with a single fluid motion to skewer the creature. Even as he stabs he shouts to the others, "Quick surround it!" Swift: Switch to Reaching blade stance Move: to 10ft drawing sword Standard: Call to arms strike (1d20+13)[17] dam (2d6+9)[17] - adjacent allies (so Lizuga/Lebwen) get move actions If attacked Flowing creek: (1d20+11)[23] vs Attack roll

Spoiler: Stats

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HPs 36 / 36
Saves + 6/ 5/ 3 +2 vs plant, +1 vs fear

AC 18 (touch 14, FF 14) +2 vs PLant
CMD 18

Effects:
(Lizuga) Enouraging Roar: +2 hit/dam
(Justin) Indomitable Presence: (All allies within 30-ft. of his position gain the benefits of the Die Hard feat, and may add his warlord initiation modifier to Fortitude saves versus death effects, fatigue or exhaustion effects, or poison effects as a morale bonus.)
(Iris): Bless +1 hit / fear saves
(Adalbert) Bard Knowledge +2 hit / saves / AC

Stance: 1. Reaching blade stance (+1d6 dam, 1 attack gets +5ft reach)
Readied:
1. (TD) Swift Claws [Strike] Attack with both weapons
1. (MC) Flowing Creek [Counter] Perform dance to negate attack +5ft step
1. (TD) Offensive roll [strike] Move > 10ft Acrobatics check VS DC for FF and +1d6 damage
X 2. (GL) Call to Arms [Strike] +2d6 damage, adjacent ally granted move action
2. (PF) Bloody Riposte [Counter] Counter attack, do +2d6 damage

[Erloas]

"Urgh!" Lebwen groans as the creature squeezes him. He hacks at the branch wrapped around him.

Spoiler: OOC

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22/32 HPs (-20+10)

grappled attack vs creature
(1d20+10)[21] +7 base, -2 grapple, +2 Adalbert, +1 bless, +2 encouraging roar
damage
(1d8+6)[14] +4 base, +2 encouraging roar
not bothering to roll the fire damage, though it's still up

Don't think there is anything I can do with the extra move action. I don't think breaking the grapple really gains me much?

[Ghostfoot]

Iris

"Hang in there Lebwen!" the poor man was like a magnet for punishment. With Lizuga's determination filling her with confidence Iris lets fly a couple of shafts at the shrubbery.

Spoiler: Actions & status

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Misc: 5ft step as needed
Full: longbow (1d20+11)[23] (+3 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon, -2 Rapid Shot, +2 Roar, +2 Naturalist, +1 Point Blank) damage (1d8+5)[9] (+2 Str, +2 Roar, +1 Point Blank)
longbow (1d20+11)[28] (+3 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon, -2 Rapid Shot, +2 Roar, +2 Naturalist, +1 Point Blank) damage (1d8+5)[11] (+2 Str, +2 Roar, +1 Point Blank)

Iris of Shelyn
F NG Human (Varisian) Inquisitor (Urban Infiltrator), Level 4, Init 7, HP 17/21, Speed 30ft
AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 16, CMD 21, Fort 3, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
MW Composite Longbow (+2 Str) +8 (+3 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon) (1d8+2, x3)
Morningstar (two-handed) +5 (+3 BAB, +2 Str) (1d8+3, x2)
Dagger +5 (+3 BAB, +2 Str) or ranged +7 (+3 BAB, +4 Dex) (1d4+2, 19-20/ x2)
Mithral MW Chain Shirt Armour (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Misc)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 18, Con 8, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10
Condition
*Lucky Number [3](24 hours): reroll or +2 Luck bonus if number [3] rolled
*Bless: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects
*Adoration: immediate sanctuary (Will DC13)
*Agent of Chance: immediate - adjacent ally can reroll a skill check
*Encouraging Roar (Lizuga): +2 [morale] to hit and damage for 1 round
*Naturalist (Adalbert): +2 insight bonus to AC, attacks & saves vs identified creature

[u-b]

A concentrated counterattack by the party turns out to be just enough to defeat the hungry plant. It falls to the damp ground, mutilated and motionless. You help Lebwen crawl from under it. Seems like you've won this one.

[Spore]

Adalbert Halfling Archivist Bard AC: 20 HP: 25/25 touch: 15, ff: 16, CMD: 15 Conditions: Wrath +1 With the halfling pointing out the usual weaknesses, he decides to aim for a bit longer than usual as to avoid his friends. A few precise slashes later the beast is dead. That is what I prefer about adventurers rather than warriors. You're so - uh- physical. Almost a shame it was over so quickly. Adalbert kicks the pile of dead plant matter before continuing. Shall we? Spoiler Show Not fully back yet, but my make-shift phone-USB-to-laptop thingie is enough to pilot my characters. Expect delays but input again.

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Lizuga reaches down her hand to help Lebwen get back up from under the damp mass, healing him on the way up. "Well, I've joked about being attacked by trees and thorny shrubberies before, but I've never actually been attacked for real by a plant". "

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 20 (+4 counter), Touch 11, FF 19, CMD 17|Fort +5 Ref +2 Will +7|HP: 31/31

Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: That +4 AC Counter, Encouraging Roar, Armor-piercing Thrust, Curate's Strike. Phalanx Lancer Stance.

[DrK]

Justin Kaijitsu As the beast drops Justin steps in, slashing and prying at the branches and tangled thorns to help free Lebwen. He shakes his head, "Things were much simpler just standing guard at the gates in Sandpoint. A long day watching farmer's carts, a bit of training and a pint of ale at my Aunt's inn..." He pauses to survey the marsh. "This is a world away from that now." Grinning he looks at Lebwen and Lizuga, "Best keep eyes open for more of these hungry plants. THanks Master halfling, how you know about all these always astounds me."

Spoiler: Stats

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HPs 36 / 36
Saves + 6/ 5/ 3

AC 18 (touch 14, FF 14)
CMD 18

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


Stance: 1. Reaching blade stance (+1d6 dam, 1 attack gets +5ft reach)
Readied:
1. (TD) Swift Claws [Strike] Attack with both weapons
1. (MC) Flowing Creek [Counter] Perform dance to negate attack +5ft step
1. (TD) Offensive roll [strike] Move > 10ft Acrobatics check VS DC for FF and +1d6 damage
X 2. (GL) Call to Arms [Strike] +2d6 damage, adjacent ally granted move action
2. (PF) Bloody Riposte [Counter] Counter attack, do +2d6 damage

[u-b]

You continue your journey through the swamp. The rest of the day and the night after that pass do not bring any surprises. The next day you are setting forth not doubting that you are nearly there - the whole night the Lady's Light is clearly visible against the southern sky, and even after the sun rises up, you still think you can see it through the morning haze. You are there early afternoon. The towering statue holding a glowing torch is clearly visible to the south-west.

Spoiler

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Here's the area map. Lady's Light is marked with H. You approach from somewhere in the north. Go ahead and choose your roure and/or do as you will.

[Spore]

Adalbert Halfling Archivist Bard AC: 20 HP: 25/25 touch: 15, ff: 16, CMD: 15 Conditions: Wrath +1 The statue is impressive. But we should start getting more cautious. The other Thassilonian artifact attracted spawns of wrath, so we could feasibly assume there are other abominations in store for us. Adalbert warns the others. I have not honed my senses* as we left Sandpoint so maybe Iris should take up scouting. Lady Luck allows her more insight than I will ever dream of, but I should try as well. Would you take me up on teaching me how to? Spoiler Show *I basically forgot to invest in Perception after first level, which I will do on 5th, this is basically just a roleplay hook. You can treat Adalbert as attentive, but somewhat distracted by scholarly endeavors. Interesting plants on the wayside, taking more notice of the ancient murals than the assassin hiding behind it.

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu "Is that a bridge up ahead? If it's in good shape, someone is probably using it and maintaing it". "

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 20 (+4 counter), Touch 11, FF 19, CMD 17|Fort +5 Ref +2 Will +7|HP: 31/31

Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: That +4 AC Counter, Encouraging Roar, Armor-piercing Thrust, Curate's Strike. Phalanx Lancer Stance.

[Erloas]

"I think at first we should be a bit cautious, as there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of contact with this part and we don't know who's in control of the area. I say we keep to the tree line and see what we can of the area before we're out in the open. If we can find any small group traveling in or out to talk to that would probably be safer than walking into the middle of the area before finding out that they don't like outsiders."

Spoiler: OOC

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I assume since it's been a day that someone would have healed me the rest of the way