Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

[Gwynfrid]

Keshkaru reacts with an apparent calm that's belied by the urgency of her move into the barn, after a simple click of her forked tongue tells Ozkrak to follow. "Looks nasty in there. Let's get to it, before their mistress, whoever she is, shows up." The light from her shield shows the way as she deliberately steps in, the raptor in tow, intent on reaching the enemy above.

Spoiler

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Keshkaru
#1 Command Ozkrak to follow
#2 Stride to K17
#3 Climb ladder, Acrobatics DC5 (1d20)[18]

Ozkrak
#1 Stride to K17
#2 Climb ladder, Acrobatics DC15 (1d20+7)[16]

Spoiler: Stats

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Keshkaru
Female Iruxi Druid (animal order), Level 2, HP 24/24, Speed 25
Medium humanoid (Frilled Lizardfolk), Animal Wrangler
AC 17 (shield down), Fort +4, Refl +4, Will +10, Perception +8
Abilities Str 16, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 14
Senses: Baseline
Attack, Claw +7 (1d4+3 slashing, agile)
Attack, Tail +7 (1d6+3 bludgeoning, sweep)
Attack, Sling +4 (1d6+1 bludgeoning, propulsive)
Athletics +7, Diplomacy +6, Intimidation +6, Nature +8, Performance +6
Focus Points: 1/1
Conditions: None

Ozkrak
Female Raptor (dromaesaur) Animal Companion, Level 2, HP 22/22, Speed 50
Small Animal
AC 17, Fort +6, Refl +7, Will +5, Perception +5
Ability bonuses Str +2, Dex +3, Con +2, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha 0
Senses: Low-light vision, scent (imprecise, 30 feet)
Attack, Jaw +7 (1d8+2 piercing, finesse)
Attack, Talon +7 (1d6+2 slashing, agile, finesse)
Acrobatics +7, Athletics +6, Stealth +7
Conditions: None

[stack]

Thwap lets out an undignified yelp, then drops to the ground and rolls around to put the fire out before standing again.

Spoiler

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action 1: drop prone
Action 2: roll around (assuming using these two actions are sufficient to drop the DC and get the extra flat check
Action 3: stand
extra flat check (1d20)[3]
normal flat check (1d20)[14]

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 18 | HP: 32 | Current: 23 | Class DC: 18 Fortitude: +5 | Reflex: +10 | Will: +8 | Perception: +8 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Seeing Thwap burst alight as a gout of flame from above illuminated the dim interior of the barn, Castiel leapt into action, dropping his duelling cape outside the barn for a moment, he plunged into the cavernous stable area. As he did so he plucked a bag from the bandolier that hung from his chest, throwing a swath of sharp, iron spikes across the ground. The grinding sound of stone on stone made him think that other attackers were lurking further inside the stables. He then looked to the loft above the stables and drew his alley bow, leveling it at the creature.

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

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OOC: Free Action to release my duelling cape, Stride from L19 to L14, Interact to spread Caltrops in L13, Interact Action to draw my Hand Crossbow in my left hand. And done!

[JWallyR]

Vorgrok growls in pain and anger at the searing pain from the fire mephit's attacks. Glaring balefully toward it, the dwarf drops his sledge, using both thick hands to pat at the tongues of flame that have sprung up on his leathers.

Spoiler: Actions

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Not 100% sure how this works, but Vorgrok will use as many actions as it takes to try and put out the fire, and then pick up his weapon. Should he still have an action, he'll move toward a ladder to chase the current visible enemy.

Spoiler: Stats

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Vorgrok Giantforge
Level 2 Neutral Neutral Dwarf Barbarian. Speed 20 ft, Medium Humanoid (Rock Dwarf), Rigger
AC 16, Fort 7, Reflex 4, Will 7, Perception 7
Rock Dwarf Heritage- +2 vs shove/trip/prone effects, half forced movement over 10 ft
Dwarven Darkvision
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8
HP 29/38

Conditions:
Clumsy 1 (-1 to Dex-based DCs/checks) while wielding Large weapon
Inspire Courage: +1 atk/dmg, saves vs fear

[Farmerbink]

Thwap and Vorgrok both spend a few seconds trying to put out the flames. Thwap's efforts prove more effective, but nonetheless the flames lapping at Vorgrok also die out, a few seconds later. Giggles helps illuminate the barn, as Keshkaru carries her light up the ladder (?). Castiel gets ready to fight with the still-hidden assailants.

As the screams continue, the mephits attack. The same one that previously spewed fire from the balcony swoops down through the air, its own flames effectively illuminating the interior of the barn, though ultimately it wasn't necessary. He clobbers Vorgrok with a pair of savage bites from its still-smoldering mouth.

A second flaming mephitic appears from the northeast corner of the second floor. This one flies at Castiel before spewing flame on the lithe swordsman. Castiel just fails to avoid the flames, and his cloak catches fire. In the next moment, a similar creature, though made of earth and rock, lumbers from behind the northeast storage stall. It belches an odd spray of pebbles and soil, which hammers into both Castiel and the fiery imp.

The sound of stone on stone grows louder, as the creature hiding (ineffectively) in the northwest corner of the barn swells dramatically in size.

Spoiler: OOC

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Vorgrok took 1 persistent fire damage, before the flames died out at the end of his turn (he failed the DC 12 extra check, but I rolled low on damage)

Vorgrok took 26 18 more damage (a mixture of piercing and fire) from two one critical hit (that 16 AC is doing you no favors ) Edit: AC still not helping much, but the 17 is a huge difference in this case.

Castiel took 4 fire, and is now effected by a persistent 1d4 (see previous spoiler for details).
Castiel then to 7 bludgeoning from the earth mephit. The fire mephit also took damage from this.

Map updated

[Gwynfrid]

Keshkaru realizes the wily enemies have lured her upstairs while they took the fight to her allies below. Quickly, she points to Vorgrok's fiery opponent and makes a strange animal noise in her throat, causing Ozkrak to reverse her course. The raptor clambers down as best she can and dashes towards the fire creature!

Meanwhile, seeing how grievously the unfortunate dwarf was hurt, the iruxi calls for the nature spirits' help on his behalf.

"Esprit de la source
Vois mon ami blessé
Viens à la rescousse
Pour sa vie préserver!"

Spoiler

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Keshkaru
#1-2 cast Heal on Vorgork (1d8+8)[10]
# Command Ozkrak

Ozkrak
#1 Climb down, Athletics (1d20+6)[13]
#2 Stride to O16 for a flanking position with Vorgrok

Spoiler: Stats

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Keshkaru
Female Iruxi Druid (animal order), Level 2, HP 24/24, Speed 25
Medium humanoid (Frilled Lizardfolk), Animal Wrangler
AC 17 (shield down), Fort +4, Refl +4, Will +10, Perception +8
Abilities Str 16, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 14
Senses: Baseline
Attack, Claw +7 (1d4+3 slashing, agile)
Attack, Tail +7 (1d6+3 bludgeoning, sweep)
Attack, Sling +4 (1d6+1 bludgeoning, propulsive)
Athletics +7, Diplomacy +6, Intimidation +6, Nature +8, Performance +6
Focus Points: 1/1
Conditions: None

Ozkrak
Female Raptor (dromaesaur) Animal Companion, Level 2, HP 22/22, Speed 50
Small Animal
AC 17, Fort +6, Refl +7, Will +5, Perception +5
Ability bonuses Str +2, Dex +3, Con +2, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha 0
Senses: Low-light vision, scent (imprecise, 30 feet)
Attack, Jaw +7 (1d8+2 piercing, finesse)
Attack, Talon +7 (1d6+2 slashing, agile, finesse)
Acrobatics +7, Athletics +6, Stealth +7
Conditions: None

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Gigglespit's Status, Round 2

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Gigglespit Baderiggo Humbleback
Chaotic Good Gnome Bard, Level 2, HP 26/26, Speed 25 ft.
Small Humanoid (Fey Touched Gnome), Circus Born
AC 19, Fort 6, Ref 7, Will 6, Perception 6
Abilities Str 8, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18
Light Mace (+7 to hit, 1d4 damage, Agile, Shove, Finesse)
Conditions: Inspire Courage (Allies +1 attack, damage, and vs. Fear)
3/3 - 1st Level Spells Cast Today

"Hang in there everyone - don't be afraid! And some soothing magic for your wounds, Castiel!" calls Giggles as he casts two spells in quick succession.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Cast Inspire Courage and Soothe on Castiel, healing him for (1d10+4)[5] HPs and giving him +2 saves against mental effects for one minute.

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 20 | HP: 32 | Current: 17 | Class DC: 18 Fortitude: +5 | Reflex: +10 | Will: +8 | Perception: +8 Active Effects: Dueling Parry. Conditions: Persistent Fire (d4). Searing pain, heat and flame, caused Castiel to clench his teeth, partially shielded by his dueling cape, he quickly dropped the smoldering garment. He was suddenly buffeted by spray of rock, dirt, and stones. Bruised and battered, he blinked the grit from his eyes. Giggles voice cutthrough the daze, snapping him back to clarity. He needed to fall back, holding his blade in a counter guard grip, he thought if the futility of parryinga gout of flame. The smoldering heat from his shoulders and arms told him he needed to smother them sooner rather than later. He tucked into a back shoulder roll, ending it beside his allies, hoping he'd be able to right himself before the elementals were upon them.

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

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OOC: 1st Action:
Dueling Parry; Actions 2 & 3: Acrobatics check DC 15 to move to L14 & extinguish the flames. (1d20+8)[12]. Flat check DC 10(15) to smother the flames. (1d20)[7]. Don't screw me RNG!

[stack]

Thwap's staggering is not entirely feigned as he steps towards the nearest mephit and attempts to land a headbutt.

Spoiler

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1. stumbling stance
2. step to M17
3. Strike (1d20+8)[13] for (1d8+2)[10]

[JWallyR]

Vorgrok flinches involuntarily away from the searing heat of the mephit's attacks, and an ensuing smell uncomfortably close to overcooked boar. Staring into the creature's glowing face, the dwarf erupts into a gravelly roar of pure hatred, and flings his entire body into a counter-assault on the creature!

Spoiler: Actions

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1st: RAGE!! +6 damage, -1AC, +4 Temp HP
2nd: Attack F1 (I assume this is the one that attacked him): (1d20+9)[24] for (1d12+11)[20] damage. Flanking not included.
3rd: Attack F1 if still alive: (1d20+4)[6] for (1d12+11)[15] damage. Flanking not included.
Edit: If F1 no longer alive, move to M12 or similar, toward a hostile.

Spoiler: Stats

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Vorgrok Giantforge
Level 2 Neutral Neutral Dwarf Barbarian. Speed 20 ft, Medium Humanoid (Rock Dwarf), Rigger
AC 16, Fort 7, Reflex 4, Will 7, Perception 7
Rock Dwarf Heritage- +2 vs shove/trip/prone effects, half forced movement over 10 ft
Dwarven Darkvision
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8
HP 20/38 (4 temp)

Conditions:
Clumsy 1 (-1 to Dex-based DCs/checks) while wielding Large weapon
RAGE!! +6 damage, -1AC, +4 Temp HP, 9 rds remaining
Inspire Courage: +1 atk/dmg, saves vs fear

[Farmerbink]

Vorgrok effectively demonstrates the danger posed by his workman's tools, as he squashe the flying imp like an insect, sending it crashing to the ground to move no more. In the moments to follow, the unlikely hero largely spend their effort recovering to face the remaining elementals.

The stony elementals are the first to approach. Lumbering apparently unsteadily down the hallway, the small creature swings its heavy arms at Thwap's legs and waist. The lithe monk effectively evades the clumsy assault with no real difficulty.

The next elemental finally reveals itself, though most of you could see the stony figure before anyway, as it dives through the earth to join the attack. It smashes through the walls of the stalls with no apparent effort, strangely distorting the earth as it presses forward like a big ugly shark beneath the surface of the waves. It rises to the floor and back onto its feet, slamming its huge fist into the stall walls beside Vorgrok with impressive force. A huge chunk of wood falls away, leaving Vorgrok more prone to attack than before.

Finally, the remaining imp flies over it's allies(?), and spews another gout of flame, this one clearly washing over the front-most earth mephit.

Spoiler: OOC

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The first elemental took minor damage from the caltrops, but is immune to bleed, and therefore immune to the snaring effect as well. He rolled poorly.

The second elemental beat Vorgrok's AC, but failed to account for the cover provided by the stall. The cover has been summarily demolished, because it's a large imp made out of stone.

Vorgrok and Thwap took 2 fire damage, and are effected by the 1d4 persistent, again.

Giggles took 5 fire damage, and is also so effected.

Map updated

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Gigglespit's Status, Round 2

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Gigglespit Baderiggo Humbleback
Chaotic Good Gnome Bard, Level 2, HP 17/26, (-(1d4)[4] from persistent damage), Speed 25 ft.
Small Humanoid (Fey Touched Gnome), Circus Born
AC 19, Fort 6, Ref 7, Will 6, Perception 6
Abilities Str 8, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18
Light Mace (+7 to hit, 1d4 damage, Agile, Shove, Finesse)
Conditions: Inspire Courage (Allies +1 attack, damage, and vs. Fear)
Prone
3/3 - 1st Level Spells Cast Today

"Ow ow ow! Hot hot hot!" cries Giggles as he bats at the flames licking up his scorched clothing and falls to the sandy ground and put the flames out. "Come on, guys, don't let them spook you!"

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Cast Inspire Courage and take two actions to stop, drop, and roll to put out the fire for a DC 10 flat check: (1d20)[4] (fail).

If needed, DC 15 (1d20)[20] (pass).

[stack]

Thwap winces in pain from the flames, but continues his stumbling routine, trying to make his foe overextend and leave itself open.

Spoiler

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1. Feint (1d20+7)[21]
2. flurry of blows (1d20+8)[25] for (1d8+2)[10] (if feint successful, target is flat footed (-2 AC) and takes +2 damage (backstabber))
(1d20+4)[14] for (1d8+2)[4] (if feint successful, target is flat footed (-2 AC) and takes +2 damage)
3. Strike (1d20+0)[17] for (1d8+2)[7] (if feint successful, target is flat footed (-2 AC) and takes +2 damage)

flat check (1d20)[14]
persistent damage (1d4)[4]

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 18 | HP: 32 | Current: 17 | Class DC: 18 Fortitude: +5 | Reflex: +10 | Will: +8 | Perception: +8 Active Effects: Inspire Courage. Conditions: None. Thankfully the searing pain had ceased, at least the flames themselves, though the damage had been done. Castiel quickly freed his left arm from his sleeve, tying his tunic around it in an effort to prevent the damage from worsening. Wincing through the pain, he saw his companion's eyes go white with rage, hoping to aid him in dispatching their attackers, he slide forward, attempting to tumble around, and over the creature's rocky hide. As he slipped to the creature's rear, he noted a fissure in it's rock-like armor, with a spin, a flourish, and a thrust he drove his blade as deep into the creature as he could, praying, against reason, that the stone skin of the creature wouldn't snap his rapier's blade like a twig. "Don't know who summoned you, you nasty things, but surely it ain't worth dyin' for?!"

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

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OOC:

• Action 1: Battle Medicine (DC20) on Myself, (1d20+8)[15], if successful, Heal (2d8+10)[15].
• Action 2: Tumble Through, moving from N17>L16 to give Vorgrok flanking, Acrobatics (DC E2's Reflex) (1d20+8)[23], if Successful gain 1 Panache, if fail, remain in N17 & provoke as if I left E2's square.
• Action 3: If Tumble Through is successful, attack with Confident Finisher, (1d20+9)[24], if successful deal (1d6+1)[5] piercing damage, and (2d6)[9] precision damage. If Attack fails, deal half damage. If Tumble Through fails, Duelling Parry for Defense.

Ohhh! Fail on the Battle Medicine, but every thing else looks like it *should* succeed. Technically, if Tumble Through worked, I should be attacking a Flat Footed AC due to flanking. Maybe a crit? :)

[JWallyR]

Vorgrok's snarl deepens, and his crazed eyes widen slightly. He begins another sweep of his heavy mallet at the elementals before him!

Spoiler: Actions

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If Vorgrok benefits from flanking against one target in particular, he will attack that target first.

Attack 1: (1d20+9)[19] for (1d12+11)[20] damage

Attack 2: (1d20+4)[6] for (1d12+11)[16] damage

Roll against the persistent damage? (1d20)[19]

Spoiler: Stats

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Vorgrok Giantforge
Level 2 Neutral Neutral Dwarf Barbarian. Speed 20 ft, Medium Humanoid (Rock Dwarf), Rigger
AC 16, Fort 7, Reflex 4, Will 7, Perception 7
Rock Dwarf Heritage- +2 vs shove/trip/prone effects, half forced movement over 10 ft
Dwarven Darkvision
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8
HP 18/38 (4 temp)

Conditions:
Clumsy 1 (-1 to Dex-based DCs/checks) while wielding Large weapon
RAGE!! +6 damage, -1AC, +4 Temp HP, 9 rds remaining
Inspire Courage: +1 atk/dmg, saves vs fear
1d4 persistent fire damage

[Gwynfrid]

From her elevated position, Keshkaru gets a full view of the enemies at hand. I should have asked the spirits for cold comfort rather than fire today... She emits another strange croak, and again Ozkrak seems to understand her very well. The raptor dashes to the opposite end of the fight, to squeeze the earth mephit between Vorgork and herself before she lashes out with a claw. While she does so, another incantation can be heard from the iruxi.

"Esprit de la flamme rageuse,
Descends sur ce tas de cailloux!
Une incinération furieuse
Le renverra dans son trou!"

... And a ray of fire comes down on the enlarged elemental.

Spoiler

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Keshkaru
#1 Command Ozkrak
#2/3 Cast Produce Flame attacking E1, (1d20+8)[15] fire damage (1d4+4)[8]; on crit,double damage and 1d4 persistent fire
EDIT: Actually, this is an attack, so Inspire Courage should apply to attack and damage, right?

Ozkrak
#1 Stride to L16
#2 Attack E2, flanking with Vorgrok, Inspire Courage included (1d20+8)[16] damage (1d8+3)[6]

Spoiler: Stats

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Keshkaru
Female Iruxi Druid (animal order), Level 2, HP 24/24, Speed 25
Medium humanoid (Frilled Lizardfolk), Animal Wrangler
AC 17 (shield down), Fort +4, Refl +4, Will +10, Perception +8
Abilities Str 16, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 14
Senses: Baseline
Attack, Claw +7 (1d4+3 slashing, agile)
Attack, Tail +7 (1d6+3 bludgeoning, sweep)
Attack, Sling +4 (1d6+1 bludgeoning, propulsive)
Athletics +7, Diplomacy +6, Intimidation +6, Nature +8, Performance +6
Focus Points: 1/1
Conditions: None

Ozkrak
Female Raptor (dromaesaur) Animal Companion, Level 2, HP 22/22, Speed 50
Small Animal
AC 17, Fort +6, Refl +7, Will +5, Perception +5
Ability bonuses Str +2, Dex +3, Con +2, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha 0
Senses: Low-light vision, scent (imprecise, 30 feet)
Attack, Jaw +7 (1d8+2 piercing, finesse)
Attack, Talon +7 (1d6+2 slashing, agile, finesse)
Acrobatics +7, Athletics +6, Stealth +7
Conditions: None

[Farmerbink]

In a sudden flurry of violence, the heroes demonstrate their mettle in no uncertain capacity. Though most are gritting their teeth through the pain, the clown, surgeon, rigger, and animal handler all deliver brutal blows to the elemental creatures. Almost before you know it, the three remaining creatures have fallen still, to rise no more. In the moments that follow, you frantically (but effectively) smother the lingering flames, and begin to gather your wits.

In the sudden quiet that follows, the sounds of breathing can be heard loudly. "Huh- Hullo?" calls a man's voice, from somewhere further within.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Giggles takes a moment to be sure he's no longer on fire, rubbing his burned skin where it hurts. "Hello? You don't plan to attack us, do you? It's safe to come out, as long as you're planning to be friendly and talk instead of throwing up rocks and fire..." he says, encouragingly.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Diplomacy (1d20+4)[13]

[Farmerbink]

"I uh. We can't... We're tied up in here." The voice is quavering, but clear.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"What? Oh, alright - let's go help them," says Giggles as he walks confidently towards the voice. (Assuming he finds anyone friendly tied up, he starts to help untie them - ineffectually.)

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 18 | HP: 32 | Current: 17 | Class DC: 18 Fortitude: +5 | Reflex: +10 | Will: +8 | Perception: +8 Active Effects: Inspire Courage. Conditions: None. Castiel, surveying the ow, deafeningly quiet, barn, sighed, taking stock of the various pains and aches that had been inflicted on him by the summoned elementals. He took a moment to check the rapier for any burrs or nicks that would need to be taken care of, lest the weapon lose it's edge, satisfied he sheathed the weapon, even as he heard the tentative voice calling out from ahead of them. Sweeping his caltrops to the side, some crushed flat by the stone creature's massive weight, he proceeded to where Giggles was untying the hostages. He removed his medical bag from the bandoleer, opening it allowing the captives to see it's contents, linens, bandages, tinctures and vials. "Shhhh," he whispered, "let's be quiet while my allies search the barn for any of your remaining captors," he placed a hand on his chest, "My name is Castiel, I am a trained physician, let's check those injuries, shall we?" As he began to do a cursory examination, he spoke softly, making conversation, "How long have you been here?"

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

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OOC: Castiel will move towards the sound of the voice, then make a Diplomacy check to clam down our captives, and ensure them of our good intentions, (1d20+6)[26], and finally, a Medicine check to determine the extent of their injuries, (1d20+8)[18].

[Farmerbink]

Giggles has no trouble following the unsteady voice to one of the larger stalls on the right side of the barn. Inside, a trio of villagers sit tied to a central post. The ropes have begun to fray- indicative of their efforts straining against the bindings, at least when able, but still hold fast. Giggles isn't immediately making a lot of progress, but with help and time, the ropes begin to loosen. In the meantime, Castiel quickly confirms that the three aren't actually injured, though they're hungry, thirsty, tired, and scared.

The man, who introduces himself as Rikart Hawfton (of the previously-explored mill), is obviously immensely relieved by your presence. "Praise be. I thought we were like to die in there," he admits out of exhaustion. As soon as his wife and daughter are free, he embraces them each tenderly, as his wife quietly weeps. "Please, if we can do anything to repay you, all I have is yours."

Spoiler: OOC

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There's some dialogue to be had, depending on what you ask/want to know. Obviously, they've seen some things.

Less obviously, they are willing (and the source material seems to assume??) that they will give you their life savings as reward. I'm content to fluff this as a reward from the authorities instead, to make the story more palatable and not deny you guys the appropriate and expected mechanical benefits.

Spoiler: FastForward

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If you don't want to engage in dialogue:::

They confirm that Nemmia was from the Hermitage of the Blessed Lightning, as she spoke of it often, between furious outbursts blaming the people of Abberton for a wide array of environmental calamities. The halfling seemed to blame Abberton for everything—any negative environmental changes, such as heat waves, dry spells, wells going dry, and even a decline in birth rates among local animals. The Hawftons saw Nemmia command the mephits and various animals, especially the rats that followed her everywhere. Her plan, as best the Hawftons can tell, was to terrorize Abberton so persistently that everyone would leave; when she heard about the arrival of a circus, she seized on it as a highly visible target and was certain the town would evacuate if the entire circus were slaughtered. Nemmia’s only visitors were two members of the Hermitage of Blessed Lightning with strange, loose skin. Hideous worm-like creatures burst from the hermits, and after some horrible screaming, the Lindell brothers—who had been kept tied up in the southernmost cow stall—left the barn. The Lindells had the same strange looseness in their skin, and the Hawftons are grateful they didn’t see exactly what the worm-creatures did to them.

The rest of the party continues investigating the barn, and eventually confirms all threats either dispatched or long-since departed. In the southern-most cow stall, a pair of two piles of skin lie, grisly reminiscent of the demons you vanquished in the church graveyard. Gray robes and wooden symbols of Gozreh lie discarded nearby. Strangely, the symbols are defaced by jagged, angular scrawlings on their faces.

Spoiler: Relgion 16; or Occultism, Arcana, or lore 18:

Show

The symbols are demonic in nature,

Spoiler: DC 21 and 23, respectively (use the inital check)

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Specifically, they are symbols of worship to Zevgavizeb, the bestial demon lord of Xulgaths. With a check of 25+ (any applicable recall skill), feel free to have your character know the information on this wiki page

Leaning on the wall over the robes and symbols, a pair of blood-stained tridents stand in narrow pools of the same dried brownish-red crust. Clearly, something painful, and likely fatal took place here.

[stack]

The goblin clown lets others handle the socializing, wandering over to study the blood-stained implements. Not being of a scholastic bent, he fetches one more educated to puzzle them out.

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 20 | HP: 41 | Current: 17 | Class DC: 19 Fortitude: +8 | Reflex: +11 | Will: +9 | Perception: +9 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Castiel listened patiently, as he shared what water he had left in the skin at his hip, thirst was the immediate concern. Though he prevented the Hawfton's from guzzling the water, which would likely lead to nausea. He shook his head at Rikart's wife, "No ma'am, it is we who should apologize. Our appearance in town acted as some sort of lightning rod, drawing the ire of this Nemmia." He shrugged, looking towards the rest of the crew, "We can speak with Abberton's authorities with what we've witnessed here, and should the town wish our help, I would be glad to offer what assistance we may to apprehend this woman." He continued listening to their story, concerned at some of the more horrific statements uttered by the patron of the captured family, "We will see to your family sir, no recompense is required, allow us to escort you to your home, and my friends and I can discuss how to proceed from there." He offered a hand to assist the family from their confinement, and past his allies, "Vorgruk," he called, "can you take our friends outside, while I inspect the stalls?" Seeing the burns and bruising on his allies body, he winced slightly, "and once done, let's do something about that, eh?" With a wink, he handed the dwarf his small, battered, flask of aged Taldan whiskey. He then moved to the stall with Giggles, surveying the bloody tridents, and the piles of loose, flayed skin, he opened his bag, taking out tweezers, scalpels, and began inspecting the grisly trophies.

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

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OOC: I want to investigate the piles of skin, I don't have Arcana, Occultism, Religion or applicable Lores, I do, however, have Medicine & Lore (Surgery) so I would love to determine whether or not these skins have been removed by something supernatural, or magically, or if they were flayed off with knife, or scalpel. So Medicine (Recall Knowledge), (1d20+9)[10]. Likely determining that it is something unnatural and creepy, getting filled in by the rest of the troupe who has encountered these things previously. ... or with my die rolls, not?!? Eww, creepy, don't touch!

[JWallyR]

After watching the last of the visible foes fall, Vorgrok peers into the barn with a suspicious furrow to his brows. With an annoyed Hffff, he lumbers off to follow Giggles as the latter trots off incautiously toward the unseen voices. Seeing the bound captives, however, the dwarf relaxes his battle-ready posture, returning the heavy sledge to its loop across his back.

After assisting the gnome with their bonds, the dwarf turns to Castiel. Recognizing the latter's increased proficiency in medicine, he readies his own set of healers' tools in preparation to aid in the effort to see to any wounds which remain.

Spoiler: Actions

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Medicine check to aid Castiel? (1d20+6)[25]

After escorting the captives out into the free air once more, he trudges back into the barn to gaze suspiciously at the discarded oddments left by whatever grisly visitors have taken the Lindell brothers.

Spoiler: Actions

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Religion check: (1d20+2)[17]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Occultism: (1d20+5)[13]

Giggles is a bit taken aback by the grisly scene in the next stall, and his trying day seems to be weighing on the little blue gnome heavily. "I sure wish we'd found her in time to stop all this," he says quietly, clearly sad at all the death and destruction they've found. He walks around and looks at everything carefully, even somberly, while the others speak to the rescued miller and his family. Finding nothing he really understands, the clown-turned-ringmaster takes a deep breath, puts on a rather convincing smile, and then walks out into the sunlight.

"Ding ding, ring-a-ding ding, goes the dinner bell," he says, somewhat at random, as he calls inside to the others. "Have we found any sign of the sheriff? Ralhain was her name - has she been by here?" he asks the rescued villagers, hopeful and not really realizing that they weren't in a position to see anyone pass by the barn in the last several days.

When it's clear they don't know where Ralhain is Giggles is about to repeat his question and ask about the Lindell brothers. Then he realizes that the party may have already killed the demons using the brothers' skins and turns to wretch into the tall grass around the barn. "Excuse me...had a nasty realization there...We really should try to see if the Sheriff is around, though. Are there any other buildings on the farm where she might be tied up?"

[Farmerbink]

"Ah," Rikart ponders the question seriously. "It weren't our farm, you know. The Lindell boys live... eh, maybe lived out here. Literally lived up in the loft right above their stock. Tended the fields out back, though they didn't use to look that that," he wonders, gesturing broadly to the plainly overgrown scrubland.

"Crazier than a purple loon, but she can make things grow..." he mumbles to himself, quietly. After a few moments, something catches his eye. He starts moving suddenly, and surprises everyone when he picks up the discarded hat and boots. "Where'd ya find this?" he asks, looking at the party over the brim with an almost uncomfortable intensity. "Oh hells," he mutters, when answered. "That's her hat," he says simply. He holds it a little closer, looking around with obvious concern. At the puzzled expressions, he expounds.

"Ralhain, I mean. Sheriff Ralhain. This is her hat..."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Giggles gulps again, looking decidedly unhappy. "I hope she wasn't worm-food...seems like an awful way to go..." he says quietly. Then he looks to the other PCs and gathers them close. "We should go ask Nemia if she knows what happened to the sheriff...maybe we should have asked her earlier, but at least we've saved everyone for now..."

[Gwynfrid]

Kehskaru has been silent for a while, having busied herself with helping the prisoners and searching the barn, then quielty listening to the conversation. Until she suddenly steps in: "We heard these creatures, they thought we were their mistress coming back. They were wrong, but this means someone else will come back here, someone who surely is linked to these awful events. Could we maybe set up an ambush?"

[stack]

Thwap nods, "It is a good idea, though hard to know how long we might have to wait. Can we send some messages while the rest of us wait in ambush?"