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

[DarkOne-Rob]

Hishka listens as the party whispers and seems about to speak when Marzena speaks up in the reptile's tongue. Nodding, the shaman backs up, making clear that it has sided with the party as it waits for a response from the kobolds. It doesn't have to wait long, as the barking voice calls out, much louder this time,

Spoiler: Draconic

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"Then the Twisted Branch dies today! Crush their eggs and die for the Broodmother!"

The kobolds do not attack the party, but instead can be heard rushing into the next room, presumably the actual egg chamber. "No! Sssstop them! We musssst protect the nexxxxt generation of Twissssted Branch! Quickly!" cries Hishka as it rushes forward, chasing after the sound of the little reptiles.

As the party dashes after the kobolds, with Hishka in the lead, they find a large chamber with a roof of intertwined mangaroo roots and trunks that have grown so thickly that no sunlight comes through. Shallow water no more than a few inches deep covers the floor of the chamber, lapping at the bottom of hundreds of pale, leathery eggs about the size of a melon. On the northern end of the pool, looming over the other eggs like a malignant gargoyle, is a halfling-sized black egg. A wide hallway leads west over the low dirt bank towards another watery area. Ilthane's kobolds are dashing into the egg chamber, smashing eggs as they go.

The map has been updated. The entire party will eventually be able to see what is going on, but understand that this area is totally dark without a light source. Keep tabs of what your PC can see and post actions that make sense, please. There are many ways to increase the light down here, so take advantage of that.

Anyone moving through the spaces with lizardfolk eggs must make a DC 5 Acrobatics check each round they travel more than half speed to avoid breaking any eggs. Moving faster without passing such a check will break 1d2 eggs each round. Area attacks that deal 1 or more point of damage automatically destroy all eggs in the area of effect.

If you wish to interact with the black dragon egg, it has hardness 5 and 5 HP.

The kobolds have already moved this round and are destroying eggs deliberately as they move. Begin round 1!

[Albinobrow]

Round 1 FIGHT

Olofire quickly downs an extract before yelling, "I need more light please!"

Still holding his illuminated lockpicks so that he is able to see, he rushes in faster than anyone would have expected!

Spoiler: Actions

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Drink Expeditious Retreat extract for +30 movement speed.
Acrobatics (1d20+16)[35] For full movement to (P,9) without smashing eggs

If provided with an AoO I will bite with Piranha Attack:
Attack (1d20+10)[13] ------- rolled second time on OOC due to Hex, that roll was a 17
CC x2 (1d20+10)[26]
Damage (1d6+10)[14] Crit (1d6+10)[14]

If I am able to get Sneak Attack damage (3d6)[13]

Spoiler: Character Stats

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 4/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 6, Init 7, HP 39/39, Speed 60 ft
AC 25, Touch 17, Flat-footed 19, CMD 19, Fort 8, Ref 17, Will 4, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +12 (1d4+6, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +4 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition Mutated for another 18:30
Barkskin 19:00
Expeditious Retreat 4:00
Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
Extracts prepared: CLW 1/1, Expeditious Retreat 0/1, Shield 1/2
Panache 3/3

[JWallyR]

"More light? I wonder..." says Jan, and she begins to gesture...

Spoiler: Actions

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If/when she can, Jan would like to take a 5ft step toward the action. In the meanwhile, she will begin casting Summon Monster III, intending to summon a Lantern Archon near the enemies.

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 6, Init 4, HP 21/45, Speed 20
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 12, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +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: 6 images, ~5 minutes dur.

[MuffinMan]

Round 1

Spying a single kobold at the edge of the light orison, Lydia begins moved ahead over the packed mud. As Olofire speeds ahead of her she shifts course, trying to cover him.

Spoiler: Actions

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Double-move to P/7. (Light orison is emitting 20' normal light plus 20' dim light in a radius around Lydia)

Acrobatics to avoid crushing eggs: (1d20+2)[8] vs DC 5 else destroy (1d2)[1] egg(s)

AoOs if applicable:
power atk (1d20+7)[15], dmg (1d8+8)[9], cc (1d20+7)[13] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[27]
power atk (1d20+7)[10], dmg (1d8+8)[14], cc (1d20+7)[22] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[29]
power atk (1d20+7)[27], dmg (1d8+8)[11], cc (1d20+7)[9] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[24]

Spoiler: Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 6 LG HP 18 / 51 Speed ft Init 6 AC 19 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +7 BAB 4 +1 Longspear +8 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +7 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +7 (1d8 + 5, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[Gwynfrid]

"Coming!" Marzena steps... Up into the empty air, and takes off. Her orb of light still hovering all around her, she flies up to the cavern's ceiling, and forward. Her laughter stops suddenly when she contemples the scene with kobolds murdering the fragile lizard eggs.

Spoiler: round 1

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Marzena enacts her Flight hex and flies up to Q11, staying as close to the ceiling as possible. The effect of the Fortune hex last until the end of this round.

Spoiler: stats

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Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 6
CG
HP 38 / 38
Speed 30ft
Init +3
AC 12
Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +9
CMB +2
BAB +3
Harrow Card +5 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +2 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (2) Con 12 (1) Wis 12 (1) Int 20 (6) Cha 10 (0)

---

* post roll count doesn't match database

[Farmerbink]

Frederick charges forward, out of the light and unhindered by its loss. With a roar of fury, he crashes into the water, unintentionally destroying a few eggs despite his efforts to prevent it.

However, as his gleaming blade slices through the darkness, the first of the Kobolds in neatly severed in half, from shoulder to thigh. Grim satisfaction that it will not be crushing any more eggs flashes behind the Half-Orc's steel visor as he turns his gaze to the next nearest threat. "The will of the unrighteous will come to naught!" he bellows, challenging the remaining enemies with a leer.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 1

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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

(1d20-7)[-2] vs DC 5 acrobatics to avoid breaking (1d2)[2] eggs.

Charge to P4, attempting to kill K1:
(1d20+10)[29] (charge power attack) I assume the Keen ability has lapsed?
(1d20+10)[28] CC (28+)
(2d4+13)[21] damage
(2d4+13)[16] crit bonus

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 1

The party rushes forward, with the exception of Jan, each using different approaches to the problem. While Frederick charges clumsily, smashing a couple of eggs but cutting through the kobold who spoke with a broad stroke of his blade, Lydia moves forward more carefully. She keeps pace with Olofire - for now - while Marzena takes to the air, floating about ten feet above the melee with her head nearly hitting the root and earth ceiling. Jan moves forward much more slowly as she focuses on a new spell, and Hishka morphs into a human-sized reptilian monster as it rushes after the nearest kobold.

Spoiler: Knowledge (Nature) DC 18

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The shaman has used Wild Shape to become a deionychus.

The kobolds, now eerily silent, continue their efforts to destroy eggs, with the two nearest the dragon egg rushing towards it and swiping at it with their claws (hitting, but not doing any visible damage to the larger shell). Though Hishka slashes at them with clawed feet as they pass, the druid misses twice. Each of the kobolds deliberately stomps and kicks as they move, with two dancing around Olofire (and missing with the rapiers they wield) and three aiming at the now flying Marzena with crossbows (two bolts hit for 5 total damage).

All around the combatants the shallow water begins to grow cloudy with the broken insides of lizardfolk eggs. The anguished, reptilian screams of the transformed shaman express the urgency of the party's mission.

The map is updated. Begin round 2!

[JWallyR]

Jan's murmured words crescendo, and with a flourish of her hands, she gestures at what little air there is between the floor and the ceiling... and an orb of pure light winks into apparent existence, shedding light all around it at the darkened room. Jan looks up at the orb with an expression of confusion, and then it suddenly talks.

"What seems to be the problem?" it tinkles in a voice like a wind chime inexplicably forming perfectly intelligible vowels and consonants.

"Uh... they're smashing the eggs! And they're bad!" blurts out the gnome, in outrage mingled with continued confusion.

"Say no more!" tinkles the orb, which darts closer to the kobolds, shedding its light to reveal them, and rays of light begin to burst out at the reptilian foes!

"Huh. Neat!" giggles Jan, before returning her own direct attention to the fracas. "Hmm... what about..." she muses, before returning to her gestures and murmurs...

Spoiler: Actions

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Jan will begin to cast Summon Monster III again, this time to summon: (1d3+1)[3] giant frogs!
5ft step toward the general melee as well.

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 6, Init 4, HP 21/45, Speed 20
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 12, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +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: 6 images, ~5 minutes dur.
Summoned Archon, 5 rds remaining

[MuffinMan]

Round 2

Lydia steps forward and jabs at one of the kobolds threatening Olofire.

Spoiler: Actions

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5ft step to O/8 and attack kobold K5:
power atk (1d20+7)[13], dmg (1d8+8)[15], cc (1d20+7)[13] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[31]

AoOs if applicable
power atk (1d20+7)[15], dmg (1d8+8)[12], cc (1d20+7)[21] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[21]
power atk (1d20+7)[21], dmg (1d8+8)[14], cc (1d20+7)[14] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[20]
power atk (1d20+7)[15], dmg (1d8+8)[12], cc (1d20+7)[25] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[21]

Spoiler: Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 6 LG HP 18 / 51 Speed ft Init 6 AC 19 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +7 BAB 4 +1 Longspear +8 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +7 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +7 (1d8 + 5, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[Gwynfrid]

As she flies over her opponents' heads and deeper into the chamber, the battle mage realizes that she's poorly protected against multiple crossbow-wielding enemies. Still, she decides she can withstand the rain of bolts for now. At least, while they're busy firing at me they can't run around and destroy all those eggs. She grits her teeth, and begins to recite the words of a spell, in a clear, sharp voice.

"Ça, mon ami, c'est de la foudre en boule
Ce n'est rien qu'un tout petit nuage
Mais celui-là donne la chair de poule
Aux noirs vilains qui sont sous l'orage!"

A large sphere, seemingly made of dark clouds and crackling with electricity, erupts from her extended hand and flies straight to the head of one of the kobolds.

Spoiler: round 2

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Move action: Fly to M11 (she can't miss the DC10 Fly check)
Stadnard action: Cast Aggressive Thundercloud over kobold K6. He must pass a Reflex save DC18 or take (3d6)[14] electricity damage.

Spoiler: stats

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Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 6
CG
HP 33 / 38
Speed 30ft
Init +3
AC 12
Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +9
CMB +2
BAB +3
Harrow Card +5 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +2 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (2) Con 12 (1) Wis 12 (1) Int 20 (6) Cha 10 (0)

[Farmerbink]

Frederick continues his charge, his legs carrying him closer to the large eggs the Kobolds are now attacking. "Enough of you!" he cries, as his feet pound through the shallow pound, the halves of the fallen enemy and eggs with only-barely discriminate thuds.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 1

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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
Magic Vestment: +1 enhancement to shield, <5 hours

(1d20-7)[13] vs DC 5 acrobatics to avoid breaking (1d2)[1] eggs.

Charge to L4, attempting to kill K2:
(1d20+10)[26] (charge power attack)
(1d20+10)[30] CC (28+)
(2d4+13)[17] damage
(2d4+13)[19] crit bonus

[Albinobrow]

Round 2

Olofire almost snarls as he lets loose a serious of attacks against the kobolds that surround him!

Spoiler: Actions

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Full attack (w/ Piranha Strike) K4 Unless the 1st attack drops him, in which case I'll share the love w/ K5.

Bite (1d20+10)[19] CC (1d20+10)[26] Damage (1d6+10)[16] CC x2 (1d6+10)[12]
Claw 1 (1d20+10)[30] CC (1d20+10)[14] Damage (1d4+10)[14] CC x2 (1d4+10)[13]
Claw 2 (1d20+10)[14] CC (1d20+10)[20] Damage (1d4+10)[12] CC x2 (1d4+10)[11]

IF Lydia drops K5 with her hit, and Olofire drops K4 on his first hit, he will then move to head off K6 and K8 around (N/13).
Acrobatics (1d20+16)[35] vs DC 5 to avoid breaking (1d2)[2] eggs

AoO Bite w/ Piranha Strike (1d20+10)[12] CC (1d20+10)[27] Damage (1d6+10)[13] CC x2 (1d6+10)[13]

Spoiler: Stats

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 4/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 6, Init 7, HP 39/39, Speed 60 ft
AC 25, Touch 17, Flat-footed 19, CMD 19, Fort 8, Ref 17, Will 4, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +12 (1d4+6, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +4 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition Mutated for another 18:24
Barkskin 18:54
Expeditious Retreat 3:54
Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
Extracts prepared: CLW 1/1, Expeditious Retreat 0/1, Shield 1/2
Panache 3/3

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 2

As Jan finishes her spell, an angelic being pops into existence above the largest group of kobolds. At its summoner's request it activates a menacing aura and shoots two bursts of light at the nearest kobold, hitting it once. The little gnome then begins casting the spell again, with subtle variations as she plans to summon different allies next round. Lydia moves in to help Olofire, missing with her attack. Olofire, however, lashes out violently and hits the kobold with a claw, leaving a deep, bleeding wound. From the air Marzena can be heard casting a spell as she flies. A moment later a small ball of electricity coalesces above a kobold and electrocutes the reptile, leaving the smell of ozone mixing with the metallic smell of blood and the pungent smell of crushed egg yolks. Frederick charges one of the two kobolds beating at the dragon egg, slashing the barking creature brutally, but not killing it. Finally, Hishka, seeing the kobolds attack the dragon eggs and not those of its clutch, turns and charges towards the pack still crushing lizardfolk eggs. The saurian shaman pounces one kobold next to Olofire and brutally shreds it to pieces, biting, clawing and leaving the enemy reptile in a bleeding pile of bones and shredded flesh in the water next to it.

The kobolds appear resolved to their deaths, taking their wounds with minimal reactions. They continue to smash eggs as they move and make their attacks. Three of them attack the newly arrived archon, with each of their crossbow bolts connecting. "Their bolts cannot really hurt me, good warriors. However, all these will no longer feel menaced by my presence. Shall I attempt to hinder those two by the Paladin?" asks the archon, in a language all can understand.

One of the kobolds who was attacking Olofire darts back towards Jan, earning itself a pair of jabs from Lydia. The second hits, dropping the jet-black lizard in the shallow water where it lies still. The kobold beneath the lightning moves away and continues to shoot at Marzena as it kicks its feet to break lizardfolk eggs. Distracted by the lightning, it's bolt flies wide, coming nowhere near its mark.

The final two kobolds, near Frederick and the black dragon egg, both pull rapiers from their sides and aim jabs at the stationary egg. When both blades break the egg shell two horrifying things break out of the egg at the same time. One is an undead abomination - a black dragon zombie that shouldn't have even fit in the egg. As large as Frederick and dripping green worms as it moves, the decaying beast looks at the half-orc with mindless hatred and moves to attack him. Fortunately for the paladin, it cannot move quickly enough to get free of the egg shells and attack him this round, but it will be able next turn.

Spoiler: Image of the Zombie Dragon

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The second terrible thing to spill forth from the egg is a swarm of green, segmented worms. This swarm seems to flow up over the sides of the egg and into the water, where instead of coordinating and attacking the nearest living thing, they seem to spread out into the water violently churning it as they spread. As the worms wriggle through the water the kobolds cry out in their native tongue,

Spoiler: Draconic

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"Kyuss! Let your worms take the eggs of your enemies! Bless our mother Ilthane's gifts!"

As the worms flow towards the eggs, the shape-shifted lizardfolk shaman screams out, a reptilian sound of both horror and rage at the sight of the swarm in the water.

Things just got more complicated. Frederick is the closest, but everyone will see quickly what is happening - the worms can burrow through the thin, leathery shells of the lizardfolk and infect the lizardfolk embryos inside. Those embryos near enough to hatch soon risk hatching as undead abominations. The swarm itself cannot be attacked effectively, but could be contained. You will have to think of ways to do this...it is also likely that such containment may kill more lizardfolk eggs.

The map is updated. Begin round 3!

[Farmerbink]

Frederick is perhaps the only one unsurprised by the appearance of the zombified dragon. He takes a half-step back, just enough to plant his feet in the shallow water. In a loud voice, rising above the din of combat, he shouts, "By Heironeous, I declare judgement! Be gone from this place!"

Spoiler: Frederick, round 3

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 6 (VMC Barbarian), Level 5, Init 1, HP 52/52, Speed 20
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat-footed 22 22, CMD 19, Fort 9, Ref 5, Will 7*, CMB +10, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
Magic Falchion +1 +11/+6 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +10/+5 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +7/+2 (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: 5/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 0/2
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 0/6
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Magic Vestment: +1 enhancement to shield, <5 hours

Attack ZD:
Edit: I've been using non-leveled stats for this whole encounter. -_- I should be getting iterative attacks (which doesn't matter on charges, I guess but ugh).

(1d20+8)[19] (power attack) ((should be 20))
(1d20+8)[14] CC (26+)
(2d4+13)[16] damage
(2d4+13)[17] crit bonus

Edit again: If it's a thing, 5-foot step to M/3

[MuffinMan]

Round 3

"By Heironeous..." Lydia whispers to herself, blood draining from her face at the sight of the impossibly-large zombie dragon emerging from the ruined shell.

Frederick is perhaps the only one unsurprised by the appearance of the zombified dragon. ...In a loud voice, rising above the din of combat, he shouts, "By Heironeous, I declare judgement! Be gone from this place!"

Frederick's battle cry helps to reignite her own courage and she wheels to face the remaining kobolds. "Right, finish these - don't let them flank us! Casters, do something about those worms in the water! Doctor, Hishka - with me! Hyaaah!!!" She moves into position and stabs at one of the scaly foes.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Move to L/13. Acrobatics (1d20+1)[12] vs DC 5 to avoid breaking (1d2)[1] eggs.

Longspear attack kobold K6 or K8, preferring the most-wounded:
power atk (1d20+7)[22], dmg (1d8+8)[16], cc (1d20+7)[11] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[22]

AoOs if applicable:
power atk (1d20+7)[8], dmg (1d8+8)[13], cc (1d20+7)[22] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[25]
power atk (1d20+7)[27], dmg (1d8+8)[12], cc (1d20+7)[13] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[26]
power atk (1d20+7)[23], dmg (1d8+8)[16], cc (1d20+7)[9] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[28]

Spoiler: Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 6 LG HP 18 / 51 Speed ft Init 6 AC 19 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +7 BAB 4 +1 Longspear +8 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +7 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +7 (1d8 + 5, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[Gwynfrid]

At the spectacle of the cracking eggshell, the horrendous dragon and the awful worms crawling out of it, Marzena's blood turns to ice. She hovers in the air, transfixed, as she realizes what's about to happen to the lizardfolk young just about to hatch.

It's the cry of horror and rage from the transformed Hishka that shakes her out of her shock. She reaches to her neck, touches the golden scale on her pendant... The air around her transforms into a whirlwind of raging winds. In a daze, she hears Lydia call out for arcane help. Right, girl. You got it... Better not to overthink this... She doesn't voice her doubts, nor does she let them linger. Instead, in a great roar of swirling air, she dashes through the cavern, going straight for the monstrous broken egg.

She flies over the heads of the two startled kobolds, and down to just above the water level, her hand nearly touching the cracked egg, right next to the terrifying zombie dragon! She stops, to flash a broad smile in Frederick's general direction, with a puzzling, almost apologetic look on her face. She clicks her tongue, and the fury of her shield of winds suddenly breaks into a surge of lightning! The brilliant flashes of electricity expand all around her, while deadly white bolts discharge through the water from under her feet and in a wide circle, far enough for Frederick to feel a distinct tickle, the hair raising along this muscular forearms.

"Wellll... done as commanded. I... guess?" Her eyes are wide in panic as the zombie dragon faces her: Her protective winds are gone.

Spoiler: round 3

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Standard action: Activate Stormlure.
Move action: Fly to J3, then down to ground level.
Swift action: discharge Stormlure! (4d6)[18] electricity damage to all adjacent creatures, which should include the swarm, the zombie dragon, and the kobolds. Refl DC14 for half.

The Aggressive Thundercloud stays in place since she didn't command it to move.

Spoiler: stats

Show

Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 6
CG
HP 33 / 38
Speed 30ft
Init +3
AC 12
Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +9
CMB +2
BAB +3
Harrow Card +5 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +2 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (2) Con 12 (1) Wis 12 (1) Int 20 (6) Cha 10 (0)

[Albinobrow]

Round 3

"Right, finish these - don't let them flank us! Casters, do something about those worms in the water! Doctor, Hishka - with me! Hyaaah!!!" She moves into position and stabs at one of the scaly foes.

"More worms.." At Lydia's Call, Olofire rushes forward to engage the last kobolds!

Spoiler: Actions

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Move to (O,13) Running around the Ball lightning if needed. Acrobatices vs DC 5 (1d20+16)[25] to not smash (1d2)[1] eggs. (I understand this might incur an AoO from K7 unless I can go through the ball lightning space.

Piranha Attack Bite K8 (1d20+10)[18]
CC (1d20+10)[11]
Damage (1d6+10)[14] +sneak attack if applicable (3d6)[7]
x2 Crit (1d6+10)[12]


AoO if presented
Piranha Attack Bite K8 (1d20+10)[23]
CC (1d20+10)[23]
Damage (1d6+10)[13] +sneak attack if applicable (3d6)[3]
x2 Crit (1d6+10)[15]

Spoiler: Stats

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 4/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 6, Init 7, HP 39/39, Speed 60 ft
AC 25, Touch 17, Flat-footed 19, CMD 19, Fort 8, Ref 17, Will 4, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +12 (1d4+6, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +4 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition Mutated for another 18:24
Barkskin 18:54
Expeditious Retreat 3:54
Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
Extracts prepared: CLW 1/1, Expeditious Retreat 0/1, Shield 1/2
Panache 3/3

[JWallyR]

Jan finishes her spell, and three toads, larger in size than the gnome herself, pop into apparent existence all around the battlefield. They begin to lash out with their tongues, working to grapple the remaining kobolds.

Spoiler: Actions

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Not sure what the battlefield looks like at this point... I would like for the 3 frogs to appear wherever there are kobolds enough for attempts to hit with their tongue attack to be useful in grappling the kobolds, preferably ones that are continuing to smash eggs.

Tongue attacks:
Frog 1: (1d20+3)[20] vs touch AC: grapple roll (1d20+7)[11]
Frog 2: (1d20+3)[9] vs touch AC: grapple roll (1d20+7)[23]
Frog 3: (1d20+3)[8] vs touch AC: grapple roll (1d20+7)[18]

Flashing a lopsided grin at the results of her handiwork, the gnome turns to the summoned Lantern Archon.

"Their bolts cannot really hurt me, good warriors. However, all these will no longer feel menaced by my presence. Shall I attempt to hinder those two by the Paladin?"

"Uh... sure! I think-" the gnome's response is suddenly cut short by the sudden emergence of a zombie dragon, swarms of wriggling worms, and Marzena's desperate gambit. Looking frantically between the members of the suddenly diverse group of opponents and the battle-mage, suspended apparently defenseless in midair, the gnome fixes her gaze on the dragon, and grits her teeth determinedly. "On second thought, get that dragon!" she hisses at her floating ally, beginning another incantation and gesturing, culminating in a scooping gesture!

Spoiler: Actions

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Jan would like to order the Lantern Archon to move into range of the foes that can be affected by its Aura of Menace, and then attack a foe. If one of the Kobolds near the zombie dragon is heavily damaged, I'd like the archon to target it; otherwise, the black dragon zombie.

Ray of Light: (1d20+3)[16] vs Touch AC
CC: (1d20+3)[17] for x2
Damage: (1d6)[2]
Crit damage: (1d6)[2]

Meanwhile, I'd like Jan to cast Create Pit. Relying on DM to adjudicate location, but her goals with the pit are some combination of:
1) catch the (remaining) worms to stop their corrupting of lizard folk eggs
2) stop the kobolds from deliberately destroying eggs
3) hamper the black dragon zombie

Jan has a move action for the first time this combat, and I'd like her to move closer to the fray. I'm content for her to move at half speed by the time she enters the space with eggs.

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 6, Init 4, HP 21/45, Speed 20
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 12, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +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: 6 images, ~5 minutes dur.
Summoned Archon, 4 rds remaining
Summoned Giant Frogs, 5 rds remaining

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 3

As the battle forms two fronts, the party demonstrates their combat prowess effectively. Frederick, Marzena, and the Lantern Archon do significant damage to the zombie dragon. Marzena's lightning blast also badly electrocutes one nearby kobold and kills the other. The electricity courses through the water, greatly decreasing the threat of the worms, but not ending it completely. Jan's conjured pit has the predictable effect of draining the nearby shallow water, with the sudden current dragging the worms into the 30-ft extra-dimensional space. Both the zombie dragon and kobold resist the sudden flow, with the dragon taking wing and the kobold jumping towards one of Jan's conjured frogs.

Speaking of frogs, one of the brilliant, celestial frogs lashes out its tongue and successfully grabs one of the remaining kobolds (though it fails to drag it towards its mouth). The other two frogs miss their targets, but that doesn't stop Lydia. The battle-cleric moves around the melee and stabs the injured kobold to the south, killing it, while Olofire dives into the fray and misses the remaining unhindered kobold.

K3 stabs the adjacent frog with its rapier before moving further from the melee with the dragon. K7 wriggles free of the frog tongue and moves to flank Olofire. K8 finishes the flank and attacks the halfling, though the mutated doctor easily dodges the less-skilled attack. Finally, the zombie dragon all but falls on Frederick, landing with a splash and striking out with a bite at the half-orc paladin. It misses and doesn't continue attacking, its undead state slowing what would otherwise be a dizzying array of attacks.

Jan conjures her pit in I2-J3. This drains all the water adjacent this round, preventing the worms from spreading. This will last three rounds before the pit is full and the worms can swim out. The dragon zombie is staggered (as is standard for zombies) but doesn't seem to have the damage reduction of most zombies. I recommend a Knowledge (Religion) check)...

The map is updated. Begin round 4!

[Gwynfrid]

"This thing here is a like the spitting image of bad luck... But now it's going to have bad luck defending against you, Sir Frederick!" Still flying just above the water, Marzena casts a furious glare at this darkened husk of a dragon. She then turns to her right, snaps her fingers, and focuses on her ball of lightning: The threatening cloud of electricity moves forward to bump into one of the kobolds Olofire is fighting against.

Spoiler: round 4

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5-ft step to J2 at the same altitude. This is a move of less than half her fly speed, but she can't fail the DC10 Fly check for this.
Move action: direct the Aggressive Thundercloud to move to K7's space. He needs a Reflex save DC18 to avoid [rolll]3d6[/roll] electricity damage.
Standard action: Evil Eye on the zombie dragon, inflicting a -2 penalty to its AC. This will last 9 rounds unless the zombie dragon makes a DC19 Will save, in which case it lasts for just 1 round.

Spoiler: stats

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Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 6
CG
HP 33 / 38
Speed 30ft
Init +3
AC 12
Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +9
CMB +2
BAB +3
Harrow Card +5 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +2 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (2) Con 12 (1) Wis 12 (1) Int 20 (6) Cha 10 (0)

[JWallyR]

With a fierce grin, Jan surveys the chaos of the battlefield with satisfaction. "Attack, my minions!" she exults; the lantern archon tinkles, "If you say so..." while more rays of light burst toward the zombie dragon. The frogs seem to take no particular notice of her, but continue their oral assault on the various kobolds scattered around the room; some lashing with tongues and others lunging to deliver bite attacks with their surprisingly toothy maws.

Herself tiptoeing delicately around the kobold eggs, Jan looks for a clear shot before pointing an imperious finger at the black dragon zombie; the increasingly-familiar burst of sickly green light surges out toward the draconian foe.

Spoiler: Actions

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Lantern Archon performs its Ray of Light at the Black Dragon:

Spoiler: Lantern Archon Attacks

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Ray 1: 23 (rolled in OOC due to typo) vs touch AC
CC: 19 (rolled OOC) for 2x on 23
Damage: (1d6)[4]
Crit damage: (1d6)[6]

Ray 2: 9 (OOC) vs touch AC
CC: 9 (OOC) for 2x on 23
Damage: (1d6)[3]
Crit damage: (1d6)[1]

Spoiler: Frog Actions

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The frog nearest K7 moves as necessary to attack with his tongue:
Attack: (1d20+3)[4] vs Touch AC, Grapple: (1d20+7)[10] vs CMD, Pull: (1d20+3)[8] vs CMD

Frog nearest K8 takes a 5-ft step (or moves half speed? shouldn't endanger eggs, same for previous frog) and attacks K8 with its bite:

Attack: (1d20+3)[4]
CC: (1d20+3)[4] for x2 on 23
Grab ability: (1d20+7)[19] vs CMD
Damage: (1d6+2)[3], not sure on damage type. Piercing? Bludgeoning?
Crit damage: (1d6+2)[7]

Frog nearest K3 attacks K3
Attack: (1d20+3)[8]
CC: (1d20+3)[15] for x2 on 23
Grab ability: (1d20+7)[14] vs CMD
Damage: (1d6+2)[8]
Crit damage: (1d6+2)[6]

Assuming the dragon zombie is still alive, Jan will attack it with her Acidic Ray, after having moved (at half speed to avoid endangering eggs) to ensure that she's in range. Otherwise, she will attack a Kobold instead.

Attack: (1d20+6)[7] vs Touch AC
CC: (1d20+6)[26] for x2 on 26
Damage: (1d6+3)[4]
Crit damage: (1d6+3)[4]

Spoiler: Jan's Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 6, Init 4, HP 21/45, Speed 20
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 12, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +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: 6 images, ~5 minutes dur.
Summoned Archon, 3 rds remaining
Summoned Giant Frogs, 4 rds remaining

[MuffinMan]

Round 4

"Good work you lot - keep up the pressure!" Lydia cheers her allies' efforts to the north as she pulls her spear clear of the skewered kobold, its enchanted blade still glinting magnificently in the shifting, chaotic lighting of combat. "Come, Doctor - with me now!" In tandem with Olofire she menaces the kobold between them, looking for the best opportunity to strike!

Spoiler: Actions

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Stay put in L/13 and attack K8, flanking it with Olofire. (Redirect movement & attack to K7 if K8 is downed first).

Including +2 flanking bonus:
power atk (1d20+9)[14], dmg (1d8+8)[13], cc (1d20+9)[10] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[26]

AoO if applicable:
power atk (1d20+9)[25], dmg (1d8+8)[12], cc (1d20+9)[27] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+16)[30]

Spoiler: Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 6 LG HP 18 / 51 Speed ft Init 6 AC 19 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +7 BAB 4 +1 Longspear +8 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +7 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +7 (1d8 + 5, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[Farmerbink]

"You are foul!" Frederick cries, with a sweep of his heavy blade. He displays his prodigious strength by feinting with an 8-pound axe-blade, and brings the keen edge upward in another sweeping arc. "You are a blight! BE! GONE!"

Spoiler: Frederick, round 4

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 6 (VMC Barbarian), Level 5, Init 1, HP 52/52, Speed 20
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat-footed 22 22, CMD 19, Fort 9, Ref 5, Will 7*, CMB +10, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
Magic Falchion +1 +11/+6 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +10/+5 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +7/+2 (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: 5/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 0/2
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 0/6
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Magic Vestment: +1 enhancement to shield, <5 hours

Attack ZD, twice- since I have the whole iterative stuff.
(1d20+9)[29] (power attack)
(1d20+9)[22] CC (27+)
(2d4+13)[21] damage
(2d4+13)[21] crit bonus

(1d20+4)[13] (power attack)
(1d20+4)[7] CC (22+)
(2d4+13)[17] damage
(2d4+13)[20] crit bonus

[Albinobrow]

Olofire grins at each of the kobolds surrounding him, daring them to try again before loosing his own flurry of teeth and claws!

Spoiler: Actions

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Stay put, Attack K7 first, then if dropped rest of the attacks towards K8.

Piranha Strike Bite (1d20+10)[23] CC x2 (1d20+10)[21] Damage (1d6+10)[16] Critical (1d6+10)[11] + Sneak Attack if applicable (3d6)[12]
Piranha Strike Claw 1 (1d20+10)[20] CC x2 (1d20+10)[18] Damage (1d4+10)[13] Critical (1d4+10)[13] + Sneak Attack if applicable (3d6)[15]
Piranha Strike Claw 2 (1d20+10)[26] CC x2 (1d20+10)[24] Damage (1d4+10)[12] Critical (1d4+10)[11] + Sneak Attack if applicable (3d6)[12]

AoO: Piranha Strike Bite (1d20+10)[16] CC x2 (1d20+10)[19] Damage (1d6+10)[12] Critical (1d6+10)[15] + Sneak Attack if applicable (3d6)[10]

Spoiler

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 4/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 6, Init 7, HP 39/39, Speed 60 ft
AC 25, Touch 17, Flat-footed 19, CMD 19, Fort 8, Ref 17, Will 4, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +12 (1d4+6, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +4 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition Mutated for another 18:18
Barkskin 18:48
Expeditious Retreat 3:48
Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
Extracts prepared: CLW 1/1, Expeditious Retreat 0/1, Shield 1/2
Panache 3/3

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 4

After a flurry of magic and attacks, only one kobold remains standing. The zombie dragon takes hits from both the archon and Frederick, bursting violently in spray of gore and worms - Frederick needs to pass a DC 14 Fortitude save or risk contracting a disease. Jan's summoned frogs and acid bolt fail to connect, as does Lydia's spear jab, but Olofire kills both kobolds near him (with the assistance of the ball of electricity directed by Marzena).

The last remaining kobold, seeing himself all alone, does not hesitate to first jab at the summoned frog (missing) and then turns to dash away. The frog takes the opportunity to bite at the reptile, biting and catching the kobold in its jaws. The black kobold passes out from the damage and begins to bleed out as the frog instinctively begins to try and eat it.

The map is updated. The only threat left is the worm swarm. How do you destroy them? They have two more rounds in the pit before they can swim out when the flow of water slows.

Begin round 5!

[MuffinMan]

Round 5

"Well done!" Lydia congratulates the group on seeing the visible foes go down. "What of the worms?" When she sees that the water level is quickly rising she bends down to scoop up an egg, trying to carry it to the relative safety of the eastern bank.

Spoiler: Actions

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Lydia has no abilities to help with the worms, so she'll begin carrying lizardfolk eggs to the eastern bank, out of the water. She'll move at half speed and can probably only move one or two at a time.

[Gwynfrid]

"Er... I don't know about the worms, I'm gonna try to fry them! Are they undead or what?" The look on her new companions' faces indicates they don't know either... Marzena pauses briefly, searching her brains for a solution. Time for something you never tried, girl. Might work, too. She flies a little higher, but remains above the pit as the flow from all over the chamber continues to pour down. She grimaces in disgust as she spies the crawling worms in the water below, and begins to summon her magic.

"Quelle est cette horrible vermine,
D'où vient qu'elle grouille céans?
Peu importe, moi je l'extermine
Par le principe foudroyant!"

With a deafening crack, a powerful flash of lightning erupts from her hands and hits the water below. The deep, dark water turns into a pool of white sparks, and it takes a few seconds before the burst of energy is subsumed and the burnt remains of the awful worms float to the surface.

Spoiler

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5-ft step to I3. Cast Lightning Bolt vertically, down into the water. (6d6)[24] damage, DC19 Refl for half.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 5

As the other PCs begin picking up eggs to manually try and move them away from the encroaching worms, Marzena takes decisive action. The explosion of steam, electricity, and sound leave her hair standing on end, but it also fries the remaining worms to a crisp. Several seconds later the water in the pit is still, with no more movement from the segmented green threats. When Jan's spell expires the water flows up and spreads throughout the chamber again, with only the broken husks of the worms left.

End of combat.

Breathing heavily, Hishka, still in saurian form, takes several moments to move about the pool, checking on eggs, smelling the worm-corpse-ridden water, and ensuring that things are as good as they can be. When the shaman returns to its natural form it says, "Thank you - it issss clear that Ilthane left the dragon egg not asss collateral, but assss a trap. That could have killed our entire nexxxxt generation..."

The hermaphroditic shaman takes several moments to mourn the lost eggs it finds, carefully burying their remains in the earth past the egg pool. In the meantime, you have the opportunity to search the area and inspect the kobolds, worm husks, and anything else you find. Nearly immediately you find a waterproof chest of oiled wood near the destroyed dragon egg. It isn't locked, and inside you find a small horde of Greyhawk currency - 5320 silver nobles (SP), 1930 golden orbs (GP), 21 platinum plates (PP) - six dark vials, and a ring of masterful craftsmanship. Upon further inspection it is clear that the ring is a Minor Spell Storing Ring (with no spell stored inside at this time). Hishka eyes the potions with obvious distrust. "I would not drink thosssse - they may have wormssss insssside." Upon Olofire's detailed inspection the shaman's suspicions prove well-founded. All six hold a wriggling worm...

What do you do now? Before you leave to go back to the fort do you want to investigate the room or study the worms? Identifying the potions' magical properties is possible, though I don't encourage you to drink them without neutralizing the worms inside first. Hishka could also be convinced to broker a peace treaty between the Twisted Branch and the City of Greyhawk, given your heroic actions.

[Albinobrow]

Olofire breathes a sigh of relief. It feels good to have helped the next generation of a race even if the current generation was at odds with the local authorities. Maybe this will help make amends for the death I caused..

Having the opportunity to see these worms in a different environment, both in an undead dragon that was just "born" and crawling of their own volition in the water he takes another long look at the creatures to try and discern any more information about them. He gathers the potions to identify later.

Spoiler: Knowledge Nature

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(1d20+12)[29] I don't know if there would be any other modifiers applied since I already have checked them once before earlier.

[Farmerbink]

Frederick wipes the ichor from his face, as Marzena roasts the remaining vermin with conjure lightning. The paladin straightens up and eyes her appraisingly, as he blinks away the phantom vision of the bolts. "Good thinking, Marzena." He watches for only a moment before stowing his blade and carefully assisting with the rescue of the remaining eggs. He comments casually during the work, "Have you given thought to the next few weeks? We could certainly use more aid like that in our coming struggles."

At the discovery of the chest, Frederick turns to Hishka. "Is this cache yours?" he asks. "I would not deprive your people of your riches, but this would also go far in enabling our efforts."

Several minutes later, as the party prepares to depart, Frederick turns aside to the shaman once more. "I don't know that the people of Greyhawk will forgive the theft of their people. While I'm pleased we were able to rescue them, and pleased further that you and your people have been forthcoming with your own plights, the situation remains problematic." The hulkish Paladin remains an imposing sight, despite his efforts to affect an approachable presence.