IC AoW - Encounter at Blackwall Keep (PF) (Take 2)

[MuffinMan]

Round 7

"Ahhh!" Lydia cries out in pain as the chieftain's bite rends her flesh. The sight of his blood riddled with worms encourages her even as it nauseates her. "He's wounded! Now, finish him!" Stepping off of the throne itself for a boost, she swipes up to press the attack against the hovering foe.

The lantern archon continues to majestically drift closer to the transformed Shukak, firing rays of light as it goes.

Spoiler: Lydia & Lantern Archon

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Lydia will attack Shukak: (If she's not it melee range from her current position, she will try to 5ft step to H/23-I/24 and gain extra reach by stepping up on the throne with one leg)

power attack (1d20+8)[24], damage (1d8+11)[15], cc (1d20+8)[9] (19-20/x2), cdmg (2d8+22)[32]

AoO if applicable:
power attack (1d20+8)[21], damage (1d8+11)[18], cc (1d20+8)[15] (19-20/x2), cdmg (2d8+22)[27]

Bull's Strength round 12/50
Divine Favor round 8/10
Enlarge Person round 5/50
Summon Monster (archon) round 3/5

Spoiler: Lydia status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 5 LG HP 18 / 43 Speed ft Init 4 AC 17 Fort 6 Ref 4 Will 7 CMB +9 BAB 3 +1 Longspear +8 (1d8 + 8, x3)
Longsword +7 (1d8 + 7, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +7 (1d8 + 7, x2) Str 16 (5) Dex 14 (1) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

The lantern archon 5ft steps to N/23 and fires two light rays at Shukak
atk 1 (1d20+3)[10] vs touch AC, dmg (1d6)[3]
atk 2 (1d20+3)[10] vs touch AC, dmg (1d6)[2]

Lantern archon HP 12/13

[JWallyR]

Momentarily insulated by various hazards from the swarms that wriggle at the outskirts of the room, Jan turns to the winged Shukak. She circles around the pit that remains in the center of the room, then jabs at the air with an imperious point of her finger. A sickly green ray bursts out at the chieftain, sharply contrasting with the Lantern Archon's contributions to the barrage. "Take that!!" she blurts out, almost unconsciously.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move to L,21 to get in 30ft range.
Acidic Ray at Shukak:
Attack: (1d20+5)[6] vs touch AC.
Crit: (1d20+5)[15] on 25
Damage: (1d6+2)[6]
Crit damage: (1d6+2)[5]

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 5, Init 4, HP 13/37, Speed 20
AC 21, Touch 13, Flat-footed 19, CMD 11, Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 4, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 2
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +4 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Mage armor: +4 AC, 1 hr
Mirror image: 3 images, 5 minutes dur.
Shield: +4 Shield AC, 7 rds remaining

[Albinobrow]

Olofire’s eyes open wide as a swarm of spiders appears with the swarm of worms, and he books it to the next swarm hoping to take them out!

Spoiler: Actions

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Move to K19. Toss another alchemists fire at the swarm in I18.

Attack (1d20+10)[14]
CC x2 (1d20+10)[24]
Damage (1d6)[2]
2nd round damage (1d6)[4]

If an AoO presents itself somehow: Attack rolls do not include any bonuses from flanking or anything. If it’s a swarm, claw attack, anything else he will bite.

Attack (1d20+10)[14]
CC (1d20+10)[19]
Claw Attack (1d4+6)[9] or Bite Attack (1d6+6)[10]
Sneak Attack (if applicable) (3d6)[12]

[Farmerbink]

Spoiler: Frederick, round 8

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 5 (VMC Barbarian), Level 5, Init 1, HP 44/44 54/54, Speed 20
AC 25 20, Touch 11, Flat-footed 24 22, CMD 19, Fort 8, Ref 4, Will 6* 8*, CMB +9, Base Attack Bonus 5
Magic Falchion +1 +10 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +9 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +6 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +3 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Lay on Hands: 5/5 (2d6, removes fatigue)
Smite Evil: 0/2
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 1/6
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Divine Bond, keen falchion: 34 rounds remaining.
Magic Vestment: +1 enhancement to shield, <5 hours
Enlarge person: a few minutes
Rage: +4 str, +4 con, +2 will, -2 AC

Attack S:
(1d20+13)[23] attack (includes rage, smite, and power attack)
(1d20+13)[14] CC (29+, x2)
(2d6+21)[27] dmg
(2d6+21)[25] Crit bonus

5-foot step to L25

If he is foolish enough to provoke: Rolls include smite, rage, and power attack
(1d20+13)[25] attack (includes rage, smite, and power attack)
(1d20+13)[16] CC (29+, x2)
(2d6+21)[29] dmg
(2d6+21)[28] Crit bonus

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 7

Amearin's summoned swarm makes short work of the burning swarm of worms near Olofire, and during its final throws before discorporating the summoned centipede smashes more of the worms attacking it. Amearin begins to summon yet another celestial ally as he continues to avoid melee. Lydia's strike hits, as do the two beams of light from the lantern archon. Jan's acid ray misses as Olofire dashes past the next swarm and throws more alchemist's fire. The swarm he hits begins to burn as it continues to slowly crawl towards the halfling. Frederick focuses and silently slices at the dragon-winged Shukak, hitting the lizardfolk king a blow that leaves the monster barely aloft.

With a deep breath, the vermin-riddled reptile exhales, spewing a putrid green line of wriggling, segmented worms! The unnatural breath weapon flies towards Amearin, and though the elf dodges as well as he could he is still engulfed in the revolting little creatures, which proceed to swarm over his skin, crawling into the folds of his clothing and towards his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. He takes 7 damage and somehow maintains his focus on his spell. Flailing as he struggles against his injuries, Shukak flaps back and away from his attackers (5-ft step) and coughs with a sick, wet sound as worms drip from his open maw.

Three of the worm swarms end the round in pits, unable to climb out. The remaining two crawl towards the PCs, one towards Olofire and one onto Frederick. The half-orc takes 2 damage and must save vs distraction (DC 11 Fortitude save).

The map is updated. Begin round 8!

[Farmerbink]

Begone, fiend! Frederick cries as he tromps after the flying Lizard. "This world is not for you, and you have no place in it!" He lashes out once more with his gleaming blade, ignoring the unnerving squelch as his gauntleted heels crush a handful of the worms at his feet.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 9

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 5 (VMC Barbarian), Level 5, Init 1, HP 44/44 28/54, Speed 20
AC 25 20, Touch 11, Flat-footed 24 22, CMD 19, Fort 8, Ref 4, Will 6* 8*, CMB +9, Base Attack Bonus 5
Magic Falchion +1 +10 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +9 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +6 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +3 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Lay on Hands: 5/5 (2d6, removes fatigue)
Smite Evil: 0/2
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 0/6
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Divine Bond, keen falchion: 33 rounds remaining.
Magic Vestment: +1 enhancement to shield, <5 hours
Enlarge person: a few minutes
Rage: +4 str, +4 con, +2 will, -2 AC

(1d20+8)[24] fort vs DC 11
move to I/27 or as needed to reach melee.

Attack S:
(1d20+13)[19] attack (includes rage (final round), smite, and power attack)
(1d20+13)[28] CC (29+, x2)
(2d6+21)[27] dmg
(2d6+21)[23] Crit bonus

[JWallyR]

Jan's wordless, frustrated gibbering ceases abruptly at the sudden spewing of more monstrous worms from Shukak's reptilian maw. She scrambles frantically around the edges of her own pit to put herself in range of the flying chieftain, pointing once more in a gesture that is more desperate than dominant.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move to J,22
Attack with Acidic Ray:
Attack: (1d20+5)[21] vs touch AC
CC: (1d20+5)[23] for x2 on 25
Damage: (1d6+2)[8] acid damage
Crit damage: (1d6+2)[7] acid damage

Spoiler: stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 5, Init 4, HP 13/37, Speed 20
AC 21, Touch 13, Flat-footed 19, CMD 11, Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 4, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 2
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +4 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Mage armor: +4 AC, 1 hr
Mirror image: 3 images, 5 minutes dur.
Shield: +4 Shield AC, 6 rds remaining

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 8

Though Frederick misses with his strike, Jan hits with her bolt of acid. What happens next is grotesque:

As the acid sizzles against Shukak's transformed flesh you can see masses underneath his scales moving, pressing outwards and only barely contained. As the chemical burns away at the reptile's flesh the bulges seem to push harder, and at the point of the acid ray impact one of the bulges breaks the surface. Then Shukak seems to burst, much like a soap bubble would if viewed in slow motion, with masses of worms flowing out and falling to the floor of the cavern. By the time he is done dying there isn't even any skin left, just his gear and other carried possessions (which shrink back to normal size over the next several seconds). The worms on the ground proceed to die less spectacularly, drying out, disintegrating, and collapsing into brown dust that is indistinguishable from the dirt floor. Simultaneously all the worm swarms dissipate as well, their individual worms suffering the same fate.

End of combat.

"By Ssssemuanya..." says Hishka as it stands at the entrance to the chamber, unnoticed before now. Behind it stands its apprentice and several other lizardfolk, all staring at the scene that has unfolded before them. "He called out the name of the wyrm, Ilthane, and another - Kyusssss? Doessss that name mean anything to you?"

Moments later the grease, pits, and summoned allies all disappear, leaving the party breathing heavily from the exertion. "Lydia, something is wrong," says Amearin weakly. "I'm afraid I'm going to be sick - at least one of those worms got into my mouth and I can still feel it! It's wriggling and it hurts! Aaaah!" he screams as he falls to his knees, both hands on either side of his head as his body is wracked with pain...

Amearin will take one damage per round for the next 2 rounds. Then he begins taking 1d2 points of intelligence damage every round until he reaches 0 intelligence. I recommend you try to stop this before the worms inside him kills him. Track your actions by round please.

Begin round 1 of post-combat...

[Albinobrow]

Olofire rushes to his old university mate and takes a quick glance at him to better understand the nature of what he just witnessed.

Spoiler: Actions

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Knowledge Nature roll on worms to find a solution?
(1d20+11)[12]

[MuffinMan]

Round 1

With little time to celebrate the victory, the battle-worn Lydia takes a heavy knee next to Amearin, sparing only a fleeting glance at Hishka before focusing on her ally. "Focus! Don't quit on me now, elf! In the name of Heironeous, I grant you his mercy!" One gauntleted hand goes to the mage's shoulder, where a transfusion of golden energy quickly takes place.

Spoiler: Spellcasting

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Convert Aid into Cure Moderate Wounds and heal for (2d8+5)[13]

Amearin's HP: 19/23
Amearin's Int: 22/22

[JWallyR]

Jan watches, slack-jawed, as Shukak bursts before her eyes, and the hundreds (thousands?) of wriggling worms begin their death throes all around the room.

She is beginning to slump, the fatigue of the hurried combat seemingly behind, when Amearin's pained whispers suddenly seize the attention of all present. Gasping in dismay as the wizard falls to his knees, she looks plaintively around the room to her companions before sitting heavily to the floor and wrapping her unnaturally long arms around her own legs. Rocking back and forth with closed eyes, she murmurs, "C'mon, Janstina- think!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Knowledge roll: (1d20)[3] to remember something useful.
Mods are:
Arcana: 6
Dungeoneering: 4
All else: 0 and untrained

[Farmerbink]

As Shukak erupts into a vile display of just wrongness, Frederick deflates in a totally different way. No longer gripped by the throes of battle, a heavy fatigue settles over him until he kneels and silently pauses in prayer to the Archpaladin. When he rises, he is calmer, but quickly hurries to Lydia and Amearin's sides, utterly unsure what to do or how to help.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 10

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 5 (VMC Barbarian), Level 5, Init 1, HP 24/44, Speed 20
AC 25 20, Touch 11, Flat-footed 24 22, CMD 19, Fort 8, Ref 4, Will 6* 8*, CMB +9, Base Attack Bonus 5
Magic Falchion +1 +10 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +9 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +6 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +3 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Lay on Hands: 4/5 (2d6, removes fatigue)
Smite Evil: 0/2
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 0/6
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Divine Bond, keen falchion: 33 rounds remaining.
Magic Vestment: +1 enhancement to shield, <5 hours
Enlarge person: a few minutes

Lay on hands, self: (2d6)[6] HP; removes the post-rage fatigue.
move to Amearin
Uh... /wave.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 1

"I feel sick! It still hurts, all over! And - gah! - it feels like they're wriggling toward my head!" cries the elf wizard in obvious agony.

As Amearin is doubled over, the lizardfolk watching begin to speak quietly to each other in their hissing, sibilant language.

Spoiler: Hishka says, in Draconic

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"Stay back! Let the warmbloods help the elf! Something is wrong, but I don't know what..."

Amearin will take one more damage this round before starting to take 1d2 points of intelligence damage every round. Begin round 2 of post-combat...

[MuffinMan]

Round 2

Lydia curses at the spell's lack of effectiveness and for a moment seems unsure of what to do... until a sudden idea occurs. She frantically begins rummaging in her path and produces a pair of vials. "Holy water! This might drive out those foul creatures - drink this, quickly!" She passes one vial to Amearin to drink and begins splashing another over the wounds where the worms entered his body...

Amearin's HP: 18/23
Amearin's Int: 22/22

[Albinobrow]

Come on Olofire think! Think! Hang in there buddy, you’re going to be ok.

Spoiler: Spellcraft

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(1d20+9)[21]

[Farmerbink]

"Grand Heironeous," Frederick begins, bowing his head deeply. He begins slowly removing his gauntlets. "This man stood alongside your champions to vanquish a great evil. Do not idly let him fall to the same!"

Firmly, Frederick places both of his now bare hands on either side of Amearin's temples. "Don't let him go!"

Spoiler: Frederick, round 2

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 5 (VMC Barbarian), Level 5, Init 1, HP 24/44, Speed 20
AC 25 20, Touch 11, Flat-footed 24 22, CMD 19, Fort 8, Ref 4, Will 6* 8*, CMB +9, Base Attack Bonus 5
Magic Falchion +1 +10 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +9 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +6 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +3 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Lay on Hands: 4/5 (2d6, removes fatigue)
Smite Evil: 0/2
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 0/6
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Divine Bond, keen falchion: 33 rounds remaining.
Magic Vestment: +1 enhancement to shield, <5 hours
Enlarge person: a few minutes

LoH Amearin: (2d6)[2]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 2

"Unghhh..." moans Amearin for a moment. As Frederick's healing hands infuse him with more healing energy he says, "I hurt less, but I don't feel any less sick. Something is still wrong, friends..."

Amearin takes (1d2)[1] point of intelligence damage this round. He can no longer feel the pain of the damage the worm is doing to him (since it is in his brain and humanoids generally lack nerve endings there). Several of you note that he has emphasized the word "sick" several times and remember that some magical disciplines can cast the spell Remove Disease to deal with magically induced sickness.

There may be other, additional ways to address this issue as well.

Begin round 3 of post-combat.

[MuffinMan]

Round 3

Lydia tosses the now-empty vials of holy water aside. "These are no ordinary vermin... if they were made by magic, perhaps they can be unmade?" She casts another spell: dispel magic.

Amearin's HP: 18/23
Amearin's Int: 21/22

[Farmerbink]

Frederick turns to the gathered Lizardfolk, desperation plain on his face. "Hishka!
Do you know magic to cleanse the body of illness? We have done our best to save your people, please help us now! I know of the spell, but we don't have time to pray for it."

Spoiler: Round 3?

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C'moooon dice:
(1d20+7)[11] diplomacy, to make a request of Hishka. If he doesn't have remove disease prepared, I don't think we ever had a chance to keep Amearin alive.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Of coursssse," hisses the hermaphroditic shaman as it moves forward. It whispers in draconic as it casts the requested spell over the elf.

Moments later Amearin begins coughing violently, until he turns over and vomits heavily onto the dirt. The contents of his stomach are full of worms, all of which appear to be dead now. It takes him several minutes to clear out his system, during which time his body is wracked with convulsions and pain. "Ugh...that was awful," he groans "I think that's all of them...wait!" He heaves several more times, fruitlessly, and confirms, "Yeah, that's it..."

Hishka, who has been standing close and watching, says, "We've sssseen thosssse wormssss before. You don't think any of the resssst of the Twissssted Branch are infected, do you?"

/Cue Albinobrow - remember the phone conversation we had a while back? Olofire needs to do some doctor-ing.

Also, Amearin is now free of additional threat of intelligence damage from the worms.

[Farmerbink]

Frederick's relief is almost overwhelming as Amearin quickly (if unpleasantly) begins recovering. He waits patiently on one knee, his hand reassuringly on the mages' back until he feels well enough to at least relax a little.

Rising, the Half-Orc scowls, his heavy gaze sweeping back around the room- to the remnants of the swarms of worms that erupted from the Kobolds and the pile of withered husks that burst forth from the dying chieftain. "I think we would be fools to assume that anyone in your tribe isn't infected. Perhaps your magics have protected you, but I would recommend at least giving a careful, watchful eye to your clutch mates."

[MuffinMan]

Magic to cleanse the body of illness... Lydia mentally files away the antidote as she finally sheathes her blade, taking a full, heavy exhale in what seems like forever.

"By Ssssemuanya..." says Hishka as it stands at the entrance to the chamber, unnoticed before now. Behind it stands its apprentice and several other lizardfolk, all staring at the scene that has unfolded before them. "He called out the name of the wyrm, Ilthane, and another - Kyusssss? Doessss that name mean anything to you?"

"Thank you, Hishka. We will not forget your aid this day - together we have averted a great calamity and saved the lives of humans and the Twisted Branch alike." She shakes her head at the unfamiliar name. "He said 'the blessings of Kyuss', but I don't know of any deity by that name. Let me think..."

Spoiler: Knowledge: Religion

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(1d20+9)[21]

I know the rest of the party has heard of Kyuss as some kind of avatar / instigator of the Age of Worms, but I don't think Lydia has. Let's see what she can figure out on her own before they spill the beans

"Amearin, can you walk? I'm eager to check on the prisoners and make sure that they're not also infected, now that we know the signs. Hishka, would you explain this to your people and lead the way back? Now that they've seen the truth of Shukak's betrayal, I am hoping that there is no more conflict between us."

[Albinobrow]

Olofire exhales the breath he’s been holding for what seemed like forever. His hand goes slack and the scalpel he help fell to the ground. Thankful that his old classmate has been healed without needing for anything drastic, he covers his face and shakes his head.. Still not enough..

He grabs an empty flask and scoops up some of the worms into it and seals it. They are so alien to him that he doesn’t comprehend what he’s looking at exactly. But he has an idea!

”Hishka, perhaps I can assist you in finding any items that might be infected with the same magic. I’m sorry to say that I don’t understand the physiology of lizard folk well enough to be able to examine them directly. Not at this time at least. But will you allow me to assist you in this way?”

[DarkOne-Rob]

Hishka nods as it listens to each of the party speak before turning to the gathered lizardfolk.

Spoiler: Draconic

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"Go - gather all of the items given us by the wyrm Ilthane and her lackey, Shukak. We will inspect them here for signs of taint. After that, each of you and the hatchlings shall be inspected by the halfling. Now, quickly, go!"

Turning back to the party it explains, in Common, "Ilthane and Sssshukak gave many of ussss giftssss - boonssss they were called. I have three potionssss from the dragon hersssself. Here - pleasssse help me disssscover if they are ssssafe." The shaman holds out three flasks of potions and waits for someone to take them for inspection. (I recommend Olofire inspect them, since as an Alchemist he will readily discover their qualities.)

"The resssst of the Twissssted Branch are collecting any 'giftssss' they might have and will then sssspeak with thissss one," she gestures to the halfling doctor, "assss he hassss offered. However, there issss sssstill our egg chamber...Ilthane left an egg of her own there, which I don't trusssst. It issss down the path from here. Will you go an enssssure our nexxxxt generation is ssssafe?"

Hishka's apprentice, looking as chagrined as possible with her reptilian features, approaches and speaks to her mentor in Draconic.

Spoiler: Draconic

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"You will want to deliver the prisoners to these heroes, then? I will see that they are brought here."

Hishka nods, and several moments later the four prisoners are brought in on makeshift pallets. All remain unconscious and Marzena, the battle mage, still has broken jaw and hands. Otherwise, they are all in good health and should be receptive to healing magic and easily brought to consciousness.

It is not urgent that you investigate the egg chamber right away, but it needs to be done. Amearin is able to function until the end of this adventure, at which point I expect to retire the PC - this ordeal has been enough to turn him off of adventuring, though he could be used as a contact in Greyhawk City. Feel free to roleplay him until the end of this adventure or until we get a new PC in his stead.

None of the prisoners are infected, though one of the lizardfolk appears ill. With Amearin translating Olofire confirms that the reptile drank a potion given him by the late-king. In addition, Olofire (using his alchemical skils) recognizes each of the three potions offered by Hishka as both magical and a deadly trap. The potions replicate the spells Detect Thoughts, Fly, and Protection from Arrows, but each have a single, green, segmented worm hiding inside. Upon close inspection the doctor confirms that the worms, though appearing inert, are definitely active and would certainly infect anyone who drank on of the potions. Hishka offers them to the doctor, so he may study them further and perhaps find a real cure before turning to her infected clan-member and apprentice to address his infection in its chambers.

Before the leave, Olofire learns that the infected lizardfolk has been ill for some days. This suggests whatever worm has infected him works differently (slower) than those that assaulted Amearin.

Among the belongings of the late-lizardfolk king you find his trident (a +1 Returning Trident), an Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Bracers of Armor +3, a belt pouch with 210 GP, 35 SP, and 31 CP, and Marzena's equipment (which include a wand of Burning Hands CL 3 w/22 charges, a Ring of Protection +1, a +1 Dagger, and a Cloak of Resistance +1).

@MuffinMan - your skill check was not enough to recall anything about Kyuss. He is an obscure figure from the distant past, so I recommend you try again as you level ad find libraries to assist in your studies.

@Albinobrow - you think that with your alchemist lab you could use some of the materials you have found to make a protective paste or an offensive "bane oil" that would help combat these worms. We can discuss this elsewhere, but good on you for taking the initiative and collecting samples! Be on the lookout for more of this sort of thing...

@Everyone - level up to six too! Good job!

[MuffinMan]

As the prisoners are brought in Lydia goes to inspect them one at a time. Eventually when she is satisfied that their wounds are not life-threatening she turns to the others. "They'll live, thank the gods. I think I can manage just enough magic to get them back on their feet so we can all walk out of here. Doctor Olofire, if you go into the egg chamber at least take Frederick with you. None of us should be alone until we know there aren't any more of those things lying in wait..."

A few moments later she returns her attention to the prisoners and whispers a prayer to Heironeous for the last drops of healing she can muster.

Spoiler: Healing

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When we're getting ready to depart (perhaps after the egg chamber investigation?) Lydia will use her last 4 spell slots to heal each of the unconscious prisoners.
CMW (2d8+6)[11]
CLW (1d8+5)[12]
CLW (1d8+5)[13]
CLW (1d8+5)[13]

I don't think the targeting matters, so let's say that the battle mage gets the CMW.

Spoiler: Loot

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The loot tracking spreadsheet is updated, and I also have it linked in my signature.

[Gwynfrid]

"HMMMMM..." Marzena makes a weak, low sound as she slowly regains consciousness. Her eyes open, everything is blurred around her. She tries to open her mouth, gingerly. The searing peak of pain doesn't come. She moves a finger, just as slowly. Nothing. She experiments with the others, and her face relaxes in relief. In fact, she can't feel any pain, anywhere in her body. Odd, that.

Her eyes dart left and right, as the persons present come into full view. She focuses on the healer leaning over her.

"Thank... you...", she says, her voice croaking. She clears her throat.

"Hello. It looks like the end of me wasn't in the cards, not yet. May I know who I owe that good fortune to?"

[JWallyR]

Jan's seated rocking does not cease as her companions work hurriedly to solve Amearin's worm problem. She stares emptily into the middle distance, unfocused, until the sudden sounds of retching pierce her momentary stupor. The gnome very nearly leaps to her feet, dodging away from the unpleasant sound, before apparently realizing that he seems to be recovering, with the worms no longer present in his system!

Her expression brightens, a relieved smile breaking through her previously tight lips, which she opens as if to speak- and just as quickly closes them, looking down at nothing in particular with a troubled expression. In uncharacteristic quiet, she watches the rest of the group discussing the health of the various lizardfolk and the poisonous "gifts" of their dark benefactor, her expression the only indicator of her understanding, and a deep disgust at the duplicity of Ilthane.

"However, there issss sssstill our egg chamber...Ilthane left an egg of her own there, which I don't trusssst. It issss down the path from here. Will you go an enssssure our nexxxxt generation is ssssafe?"

"I'll go!" pipes up the gnome sorceress, instantly, though the questioning glances from her party mates inspire her to continue, "with- with everybody else who wants to come. Safety in numbers, after all." She grins impishly, though a haunted look tugs about the edges of her wide-set eyes.

[MuffinMan]

Her eyes dart left and right, as the persons present come into full view. She focuses on the healer leaning over her.

"Thank... you...", she says, her voice croaking. She clears her throat.

"Hello. It looks like the end of me wasn't in the cards, not yet. May I know who I owe that good fortune to?"

"Be still, and drink this," Lydia orders as she firmly moves Marzena's hands into a cupped shape and casts a create water orison into them. "My name is Lydia, but you can save your thanks for Heironeous - I'd not have been able to heal you without His blessing. My companions and I have journeyed here from Blackwall Keep to rescue you - you were one of the soldiers taken in the raid, right?" She spares a glance towards the other prisoners, in various states of groaning and coming back to consciousness. "You're safe for now, and will remain so as long as you follow my instructions. We've reached an... understanding with the lizardfolk here. It's a long story."

[Albinobrow]

After collecting the tainted potions, and inspecting the ill lizardfolk, he has a better idea of what he must do, though still no closer to completing the task at hand. ”I must get back to my lab and do more research.. This only seems to be getting worse.” He shakes his head, ready to study it more back at the house in Diamond Lake.

As he had now been recommended multiple times he stands to go with Jan to inspect the egg left by Ilthane. ”Would one of you mind showing me the way to your egg chamber?

Before leaving he pulls Lydia down to his level,

Spoiler: whisper to Lydia

Show

Do you think we should talk with them about Ssayth? Perhaps he may have a place to come back to now?

[Gwynfrid]

"As the doctor ordered. Got it." Marzena plunges her face into the water and drinks deeply - too fast. Her parched throat revolts, and she coughs half of it out. She goes again, more cautiously. "Aaah. Thanks. What day is it? It feels like I was out of it for a good while." She drinks again, and finishes by splashing the whole of the water over her dirty face, trying to rub away the worst of the blood and grime.

"Hieroneous. All right, I'm grateful for the blessing for sure. Nonetheless, without you and your companions coming to the rescue, his blessing wouldn't have made it here, right? So I reserve the right to thank them, and you. I'm sure Hieroneous won't begrudge me that." A hint of an impish smile passes over her now cleaner lips.