Savage Tides: The Bullywug Gambit

[Farmerbink]

In moments, the situation gets dicey, and Firi'Sar shuffles deliberately in the sands. Moving away from Akula, he begins to try to draw the enemies into a flank, flicking his rapier deliberately around legs and hips.

Spoiler: Firi'Sar, round 2

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Firi'Sar Throshana
Male NG Elf Swash 1, Empiricist 3//Arcanist 4, Level 4, Init 10, HP 25/25, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 15, CMD 13, Fort 5, Ref 8, Will 3, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Rapier (MW) +9 (1d6+4, 18-20, x2) Small: +11 (1d4+5, 18-20, x2)
Rapier (cold iron) +8 (1d6+4) 18-20, x2) Small: +10 (1d4+5) 18-20, x2)
Light crossbow (20 bolts) +7 (1d8, 19-20, x2) Small: +9 (1d6, 19-20, x2)
Mage Armor, Shield Extract (+4 armor, +5 Dex, +1 size)
Abilities Str 7, Dex 18, 20, Con 10, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition Lightbringer: +1 CL for light related spells
Panache: 4/6
Inspiration: 5/5
Arcane Reservoir: 2/5
Extracts & Spells (See list https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2377717)

5-foot step to K/39

Attack the mutant in K/38:
(1d20+11)[15] rapier
(1d20+11)[18] CC (29, x2)
(1d4+5)[9] damage
(1d4+5)[8] crit bonus?

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Map, Round 2

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Firi'Sar is now represented by a "Ratfolk Rogue" token to note his altered-self form.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Tillandi casts Hold Person on a Savage Pirate. It is immune...
Akula 5-ft steps and then misses with two unarmed strikes.
Kitten moves to flank with Firi'Sar, attacks, hits, deals 1 damage after DR, and trips a Savage Pirate.
Cordelia uses Mind Thrust and deals 12 damage to the prone enemy. The Savage Pirate should be dying but continues to fight on anyway.
Firi'Sar hits the prone Savage Pirate, dealing 4 damage after DR.

The uninjured Savage Pirate slashes at Tillandi with it's cutlass and bites at her, hitting with both attacks (two natural 20s...sorry! Neither confirm, though!) for a total of 14 damage and threat of infection with Savage Fever (DC 14 Fortitude to resist).
The prone and should-be-dying Savage Pirate stands, incurring AoOs from Kitten, Akula, and Firi'Sar. It then slashes at Firi'Sar with it's cutlass, missing.

Tillandi makes a calculated (and somewhat reasonable) risk and casts a spell to paralyze the mind of one of the Savage Pirates. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to phase the insane humanoid at all. Something about the madness that has possessed them protects them from such influence entirely.

Kitten has a much better time, tripping the other monster as Cordelia assaults it with psychic powers. Unlike the magic that attempted to grapple with the Savage Pirate's diseased mind, this thrust simply tries to hurt it, and works. The creature writhes in pain but doesn't collapse from what should have been lethal brain damage.

Akula can't connect with his attack as he trips over some sand, but Firi'Sar manages another stab, bringing the prone enemy closer to total organ destruction.

The overwhelmingly wounded Savage Pirate stands and slashes at Firi'Sar missing as it exposes itself to attacks on three sides. The other turns to Tillandi with a manic grimace, both slashing and biting with cutlass and over-sized mouth! She takes both strikes, learning a painful lesson in the process.

Spoiler: Ruling that I want to briefly discuss

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I had to make a couple of decisions here for the sake of both balance and future gameplay.

I am ruling that psychic damage (usually from Cordelia, but not always) does real, lethal damage and is not prevented by immunity to [Mind-Affecting]. However, any [Mind-Affecting] "riders" to such powers/spell/effects (such as a fear-effect) do not work against enemies immune to [Mind-Affecting]. It is likely that there are cleric spells that deal psychic damage - if Tillandi casts these they have the standard chance of doing damage, just like Cordelia's psychic damage options.

This decision was made and looks pretty unpleasant for Tillandi but less so for Cordelia currently. Hold Person is definitely a [Mind-Affecting] spell, though, and the Savage Creature Template (applied to creatures who succumb to the Savage Fever disease completely) results in them having several strong defenses, including immunity to [Mind-Effecting] stuff. It seems somewhat self-evident that "Psychic" would also be [Mind-Effecting], but I have not confirmed this in rulings elsewhere and am pretty sure that this would be a near-crippling hindrance right now, as these enemies also have DR 5/Magic and none of you have magic weapons yet. (I recommend using the Magic Weapon and Magic Fang spells if you can get them!)

I am 100% aware that this may be the wrong call and that I may need to change this ruling later. However, I think for now this is the best decision I can make to keep things going in a good direction. Please let me know how you feel about this either in OoC or Discord. I welcome your thoughts.

I need AoOs from Kitten, Akula, and Firi'Sar.

All PCs to act. Begin round 3!

[farothel]

Tillandi grunted and took a step back before calling upon the power of Procan to heal herself.

Spoiler: OOC round 2

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5ft step back to M39, then remove doom to cast cure light wounds on herself: (1d8+4)[8]

fortitude save: (1d20+4)[20] (that's a success, luckily)

Tillandi Borgrem
Female N Half-elf Cleric/Fighter, Level 4/4, Init 2, HP 28/22, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 12, Flat-footed 18, CMD 18, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 8, CMB +6, Base Attack Bonus 4
MC, brace Trident +8 (1d8+4, x2)
Silvered dagger +6 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Cold Iron dagger +6 (1d4+2, 19-20/x2)
Breastplate, Heavy wooden shield (+6 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 12
Condition None

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula tries to skewer the beast on the ground as it tries to rise, the harpoon plunging deep into its wounded form. Assuming its dead and seeing the other threatening poor Tilandi he vaults forward and tries to impale that one as well. "Get back Tilandi, leave it to us" he bellows.

Spoiler: OOC

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If its dead, 5ft over the dead one to J38, studied target and stab w/power attack (1d20+8)[9] dam (1d8+11)[19]
(If it wasn't dead, walk around to K39 and subtract 1 from the hit and damage

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 4 // 4, Init 4, HP 36/37, Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 19, = 14 AC currently due to large
Fort 6, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 4
Unarmed +8 (+6/6) (1d8+5, x2)
Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +9 (1d8+6, x3)
CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str, Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +8 (touch) (Entangled, -)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P) MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition None

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (4/5 remaining):

Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]

Spells inf / 4/4 / 2/2 remaining
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water, Detect Poison
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path, Cure Light
2nd: Tactical Acumen, Invisibility

[Farmerbink]

"Get back here, you freak!" Firi'Sar cries, deeply concerned for Tillandi's health.

Spoiler: Firi'Sar, round 3

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Firi'Sar Throshana
Male NG Elf Swash 1, Empiricist 3//Arcanist 4, Level 4, Init 10, HP 25/25, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 15, CMD 13, Fort 5, Ref 8, Will 3, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Rapier (MW) +9 (1d6+4, 18-20, x2) Small: +11 (1d4+5, 18-20, x2)
Rapier (cold iron) +8 (1d6+4) 18-20, x2) Small: +10 (1d4+5) 18-20, x2)
Light crossbow (20 bolts) +7 (1d8, 19-20, x2) Small: +9 (1d6, 19-20, x2)
Mage Armor, Shield Extract (+4 armor, +5 Dex, +1 size)
Abilities Str 7, Dex 18, 20, Con 10, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition Lightbringer: +1 CL for light related spells
Panache: 4/6
Inspiration: 5/5
Arcane Reservoir: 2/5
Extracts & Spells (See list https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2377717)

If J/38 survived this far, try to fix that: (includes flanking)
(1d20+13)[20] rapier
(1d20+13)[29] CC (31+, x2)
(1d4+5)[8] damage
(1d4+5)[8] crit bonus

If he's already dead, -2 from the attack roll for K/38.

In either case, 5-foot step to K/39 to give Tillandi an out.

[RCgothic]

Kitten savages the injured pirate as it tries to stand, and follows up by savaging it some more. Cordelia users the same of view light wounds to heal style of Tilandi's injuries.

Spoiler

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Kitten AoO: (1d20+10)[30] (1d6+3)[6] confirmed for 10 total, and trip (1d20+8)[19]

Kitten Bite: (1d20+10)[22] (1d6+3)[6] and trip (1d20+8)[13]
Kitten Claw: (1d20+8)[14] (1d3+1)[4]
Kitten Claw: (1d20+8)[25] (1d3+1)[3]

Cute light wounds: (1d8+1)[3]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Map, Round 3

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Firi'Sar is now represented by a "Ratfolk Rogue" token to note his altered-self form.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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The AoOs kill the heavily-injured Savage Pirate, which takes its "Death Throes" actions: first it bites at an adjacent enemy - Akula - and misses. Then it explodes into a spray of acid, dealing 4 acid damage to all adjacent creatures unless they pass a DC 15 Reflex save. It leaves a pool of acid behind, soaking the sand and threatening to injure anyone who steps into/through it.

Tillandi moves away and heals.
Akula moves around Firi'Sar (to avoid the acid) and misses the remaining Savage Pirate with his attack.
Firi'Sar hits the remaining enemy, dealing 3 damage after its DR.
Kitten attacks and hits, only dealing 1 damage after DR and failing to trip the Savage Pirate.
Cordelia moves and heals Tillandi.

The Savage Pirate full attacks Firi'Sar (who has dealt the most damage to it so far), missing twice.

The party makes quick work of the Savage Pirate as it tries to stand, with Akula and Kitten both dealing particularly effective strikes to the mutant. Unfortunately, as it dies it explodes, splashing acid at everyone in reach and threatening them with some painful chemical burns. It leaves behind a foul-smelling pool of acid, burning the sand and producing an acrid smell.

As they shift to the remaining enemy Firi'Sar and Kitten both deal some damage as the ladies work to heal Tillandi. The Savage Pirate seems content to attack someone immediately adjacent, striking and biting at Firi'Sar and missing twice.

I need Reflex Saves (DC 15) from everyone except Cordelia and Tillandi or they take 4 acid damage, as noted in "Mechanics" above.

All PCs to act. Begin round 4!

[farothel]

Feeling better, Tillandi stepped back in and making sure the critter had to divide its attention, she tried to gut it with her trident.

Spoiler: OOC round 3

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5ft step back to L39, then attack the critter (flanking with Kitten)
attack (1d20+8)[23] for damage: (1d8+4)[9]

Tillandi Borgrem
Female N Half-elf Cleric/Fighter, Level 4/4, Init 2, HP 28/25, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 12, Flat-footed 18, CMD 18, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 8, CMB +6, Base Attack Bonus 4
MC, brace Trident +8 (1d8+4, x2)
Silvered dagger +6 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Cold Iron dagger +6 (1d4+2, 19-20/x2)
Breastplate, Heavy wooden shield (+6 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 12
Condition None

[Farmerbink]

"That's more like it," Firi'Sar smirks, nodding in satisfaction as the acid (mostly) harmlessly burns into the sands. He turns his attention fully to the remaining mutant, dodging both swipes and responding in kind.

Spoiler: Firi'Sar, round 4

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Firi'Sar Throshana
Male NG Elf Swash 1, Empiricist 3//Arcanist 4, Level 4, Init 10, HP 25/25, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 15, CMD 13, Fort 5, Ref 8, Will 3, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Rapier (MW) +9 (1d6+4, 18-20, x2) Small: +11 (1d4+5, 18-20, x2)
Rapier (cold iron) +8 (1d6+4) 18-20, x2) Small: +10 (1d4+5) 18-20, x2)
Light crossbow (20 bolts) +7 (1d8, 19-20, x2) Small: +9 (1d6, 19-20, x2)
Mage Armor, Shield Extract (+4 armor, +5 Dex, +1 size)
Abilities Str 7, Dex 18, 20, Con 10, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition Lightbringer: +1 CL for light related spells
Panache: 4/6
Inspiration: 5/5
Arcane Reservoir: 2/5
Extracts & Spells (See list https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2377717)

Poke poke
(1d20+13)[17] rapier
(1d20+13)[16] CC (31+, x2)
(1d4+5)[6] damage
(1d4+5)[6] crit bonus

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula goes to move sideways to flank the beast and take advantage of his sneaky attacks but Tilandi beats him to it. Instead he just thrusts the harpoon at it, a grimace on his face at the strange savagery of the creatures

Spoiler: OOC

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Stab (1d20+8)[15] dam (1d8+11)[13]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 4 // 4, Init 4, HP 36/37, Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 19, = 14 AC currently due to large
Fort 6, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 4
Unarmed +8 (+6/6) (1d8+5, x2)
Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +9 (1d8+6, x3)
CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str, Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +8 (touch) (Entangled, -)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P) MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition None

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (4/5 remaining):

Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]

Spells inf / 4/4 / 2/2 remaining
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water, Detect Poison
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path, Cure Light
2nd: Tactical Acumen, Invisibility

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Mechanics

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The party moves about, flanking and hitting. Kitten attacks and does some damage too.

The well-below-zero-HPs savage pirate continues to attack, biting and slashing at Akula - it connects with it's scimitar for 5 damage.

In the next round the party will do enough damage to finish it off. It will get a last bite attack, against Akula again, and connect for 7 and possible infection with Savage Fever (DC 14 Fortitude to avoid). When it explodes it deals 3 acid damage unless the surrounding characters pass DC 15 Reflex saves.

The party surrounds the remaining enemy, and over the next several seconds kills it. Like its companion it ends its life violently, biting Akula and then exploding in a spray of acid.

See mechanics for saving throw requirements, please. Damage and possible infection.

End of combat!

Spoiler: Map

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Firi'Sar is now represented by a "Ratfolk Rogue" token to note his altered-self form.

Again the beach is...well, not peaceful, but not the site of a battle. Do you continue searching the beach or the water? You can also explore further to the Northeast where the rope bridge over the water is. Or do you intend to enter one of the cave entrances?

[farothel]

Tillandi knew what was coming and managed to step aside in time to avoid the acid. Before people moved too far, she called upon her powers and gave a burst of healing energy so everybody at least was feeling better. Then she checked everybody who had been bitten or clawed for disease, knowing what to look for.

Spoiler: OOC rolls

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reflex save done in OOC
channel energy for everybody within 30ft: (2d6)[8]
then heal check to check for disease: (1d20+8)[22]

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula hisses in pain as the crearure bite shim again, angry red veins popping up on his arm. "Damn you." he growls kicking sand and pebbles over the where it had been. Looking at Tillanid he kneels down, grimacing, "Priestess, can you help me?" As (hopefully) wounds are seen to and tending is happening he will also look at Firi'Sar. "I had seen something strange in the water, an area of dead sea bed and fragments of strange glass." He points to where he had dropped the strange black glassy shards. "What do you think they could be?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 4 // 4, Init 4, HP 24/37, Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 19, = 14 AC currently due to large
Fort 6, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 4
Unarmed +8 (+6/6) (1d8+5, x2)
Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +9 (1d8+6, x3)
CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str, Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +8 (touch) (Entangled, -)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P) MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition None

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (4/5 remaining):
Savage Fever


Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]

Spells inf / 4/4 / 2/2 remaining
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water, Detect Poison
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path, Cure Light
2nd: Tactical Acumen, Invisibility

[Farmerbink]

Firi'Sar hisses quietly at the acidic burns, grateful for Tillandi's aid. "Huh. That does sound strange," he wonders- his voice oddly nasal and higher pitched than usual. "Give me a few moments to check it out?"

After taking the time to ensure no one is in immediate danger, he begins inspecting the shards.

Spoiler: OOC

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Various knowledge possibilities, including detect magic and such.

The vast majority of probably relevant knowledge skills are at +10:
(1d20+10)[17] free inspiration rolled in OOC for: 20 total result
Spellcraft would be 11 instead. (or 21)

[RCgothic]

"I really hate those things," Cordelia curses as the final pirate explodes. "Abominable corruptions of life. I really need to pick up some spells that would be more effective against them. I think we should explore further up the beach before venturing into the caves."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Knowing what to look for, it is clear that Akula has contracted the Savage Fever (again). There is time to address it prior to any mechanical impact (1d6 INT damage today), if Tillandi moves quickly. The healing wave is certainly welcome, bringing some relief to the party's wounds and closing them from further injury, for now.

Firi'Sar and the others inspect the shards of glass carefully. It has the appearance of a broken sphere of pearl-like material, though putting the pieces together would be both time consuming and prohibitively difficult. It certainly was magical, though it's not clear to what purpose. There is a lingering aura, intense and sickening, that is detected with divination magic, but it appears to be both expended and to have much of it's residual taint washed away by the salt water of the cove.

The party continues to look around and finds a crate of flasks. Only three of the glass bottles remain intact, each with a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds inside.

Exploring further down the beach, the party finds a tide pool. Deep, rushing water separates a cave entrance from the beachhead. Two wide, wooden planks serve as a crude bridge to cross the surging waters of the pool. Akula wades into the water and immediately can tell that there is a tunnel, below the surface, leading further into the cave complex. If it can be navigated it might get the party deep inside the pirate hideout, but it may not be worth the risk. He's confident he could do it and could help the others, but the party doesn't know what to expect in any of the entrances, so...

There are two other cave entrances. From the one on the west (out of which the two savage pirates appeared) can be heard the cacophony of sounds of already mentioned, but closer to the entrance there is a rhythmic sound, as if fists were pounding on heavy wood to a slow, steady beat, with grunts, snarls, and yells mixed into the noise. Poking your head inside you can see that the passageway forks nearly immediately to the east and west, but you cannot see anything distinctive about either way without going further inside.

From the eastern entrance you hear less noise, as if the zoo of savagery were somehow muted and a bit more distant.

Spoiler: Map

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Which way do you go? I placed the PC icons about the map, but it doesn't really matter - there are no further ambushes.

You essentially have three entrances - one underwater, and two from the beach. Managing the underwater tunnel will require a DC 15 Swim check every round. The other ways are all on stone ground with some sand that has blown into the rough rocky floors.

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula raises a hand to his brow, the fever burning and hot on his skin as he shakes his head. Approaching Tilandi he breathes heavily. "Tilandi, I can feel the fever burning within me. Can you help me, or will I be okay for a day or so and we can finsih these horrific caves?" Looking at the water he shakes his head slightly, "I can swim it easily enough but I'm not sure for the rest of you. Shall we look to the quieter tunnel?""

Spoiler: OOC

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Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 4 // 4, Init 4, HP 24/37, Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 19, = 14 AC currently due to large
Fort 6, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 4
Unarmed +8 (+6/6) (1d8+5, x2)
Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +9 (1d8+6, x3)
CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str, Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +8 (touch) (Entangled, -)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P) MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition None

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (4/5 remaining):
Savage Fever


Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]

Spells inf / 4/4 / 2/2 remaining
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water, Detect Poison
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path, Cure Light
2nd: Tactical Acumen, Invisibility

[farothel]

"Sure, no problem," Tillandi said, taking out another scroll and using it to burn the disease away from Akula.
"I'm not going to swim in my armour," she said when she was done, "I can probably walk along the bottom with it, but holding my breath for so long would be tricky. I prefer another entrance."

Spoiler: OOC rolls

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attempting to read a scroll: (1d20+4)[18] DC6
if I fail: (1d20+4)[22] wisdom check DC5
EDIT: I can read the scroll and cure Akula's disease.

[RCgothic]

"Kitten can swim as well as you probably, Akula! And I can swim ok, but it sounds like we're not all suited for that entrance. Perhaps we should try the quiet one as you suggest?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

The party creeps into the tunnel, with Firi'Sar in the lead in his ratfolk form scouting a bit ahead. After several yards he finds the tunnel opens into a cavern with dozens of bolts of once-fine brocaded silk hanging from lines of rope stretched lengthwise across the ceiling. This makes it difficult to accurately judge the size of the sandy-floored cavern, but it's certainly large enough for a ton of booty. There are crates and other previously waterlogged items that appear to have been placed in this cave to dry.

All of the hanging silks provide cover for anything that might stand behind them (including the PCs). The silks cast long shadows on the walls from the numerous lanterns still flickering along the walls and the occasional one hanging from the ceiling.

Spoiler: Map

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I've placed the PCs on the map, probably a bit closer than they would be. You haven't seen anything in the room yet other than inanimate objects. Please describe (mechanically, in detail, with skill checks) how you explore from here. Many of the enemies are looking to ambush any meals coming their way, so your stealth results matter. Also, they would be hiding, so if you want to catch them unaware I need your Perception checks.

Assume that every ten to fifteen feet or so there are silks hanging from ceiling to floor. Line of sight for ranged spells/attacks will be hindered accordingly, though I don't expect melee to be too badly impacted. If you need more details (because your PC is going to creep along the lines of silk or something) let me know.

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula looks at the host of hanging silks and shakes his head. “Strange pirates these to have a laundry.” He closes his eyes and over the course of 30 or so seconds casts his senses out around the nearby part of the room sifting for clues in the nearby space before advancing cautiously.

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting sift to search some nearby 10 ft squares to look behind the silks
(5d20)[18][20][14][17][5](74) with +5 modifier as needed

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 4 // 4, Init 4, HP 24/37, Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 19, = 14 AC currently due to large
Fort 6, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 4
Unarmed +8 (+6/6) (1d8+5, x2)
Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +9 (1d8+6, x3)
CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str, Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +8 (touch) (Entangled, -)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P) MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition None

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (4/5 remaining):
Savage Fever


Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]

Spells inf / 4/4 / 2/2 remaining
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water, Detect Poison
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path, Cure Light
2nd: Tactical Acumen, Invisibility

[farothel]

Tillandi would wait until the party members who had 'da sneaky' would have done so before she would move around in the room, as she wasn't stealthy at all. For now she would stay near the entrance, ready to help out should they be discovered and looking out (and keeping the backdoor open should they have to retreat). She did have a look at the nearest silks to see if there was something she could recognise about them (like emblems on them showing who they belonged to before they arrived here).

Spoiler: OOC rolls

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perception: (1d20+10)[27]
I'll add knowledge rolls as needed.

Tillandi Borgrem
Female N Half-elf Cleric/Fighter, Level 4/4, Init 2, HP 28/28, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 12, Flat-footed 18, CMD 18, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 8, CMB +6, Base Attack Bonus 4
MC, brace Trident +8 (1d8+4, x2)
Silvered dagger +6 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Cold Iron dagger +6 (1d4+2, 19-20/x2)
Breastplate, Heavy wooden shield (+6 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 12
Condition None

[Farmerbink]

With a snort, Firi'Sar responds to Akula, "Too valuable, and not enough needlework," he murmurs as he steps out, almost silently. He carefully sniffs, listens, and peers around each silk before stepping quickly from one to the next.

Spoiler: OOC

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Let's check in clockwise order: the hallway at "N" leading south, "K" leading west, "L" leading north, if not interrupted.

(1d20+16)[24] stealth
(1d20+18)[21] perception
Dunno how scent interacts with those?

[DarkOne-Rob]

Akula's spell doesn't help him detect any traps or oddities, but both Tillandi and Firi'Sar immediately sense that there is something predatory in this cavern, using the silk sheets to conceal its presence. Whatever is out there, it is quiet, smart, and deadly but unable to hide its distinctly reptilian smell from Firi'Sar. Tillandi notes several large scratches gouged into the stone ground, as if with a large blade or claw.

Finally, through that instinct that many animals have for danger, it's clear they are being actively hunted now. Kitten's low, rumbling growl is one of the first cues of that...

You have one round to prepare. The enemy knows where you are, though you haven't had a chance to see it yet. Firi'Sar can smell it's presence all over, but most intensely from the northwest somewhere...

No change to the map, but please state where you would like your tokens specifically. You can be up to ten feet into the chamber or as far back down the tunnel as you want.

Spoiler: Map

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[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula looks to the others, “into the room, let us meet it head on where we are not trapped in this tunnel.” . Praying to Procan his harpoon glows blue as he advances carefully into the room hugging the wall.

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting divine favour (+2)
Move to R27

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 4 // 4, Init 4, HP 32/37, Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 19, = 14 AC currently due to large
Fort 6, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 4
Unarmed +8 (+6/6) (1d8+5, x2)
Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +9 (1d8+6, x3)
CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str, Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +8 (touch) (Entangled, -)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P) MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition None

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (4/5 remaining):


Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]

Spells inf / 3/4 / 2/2 remaining
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water, Detect Poison
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path, Cure Light
2nd: Tactical Acumen, Invisibility

[farothel]

Tillandi didn't see anything from the back, but she was sure there was something, so she took the few moments to prepare as much as possible. Quickly she cast a blessing on everybody so they would have it easier with whatever it was in there.

Spoiler: OOC preparation

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cast bless on everybody: Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

Tillandi Borgrem
Female N Half-elf Cleric/Fighter, Level 4/4, Init 2, HP 28/28, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 12, Flat-footed 18, CMD 18, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 8, CMB +6, Base Attack Bonus 4
MC, brace Trident +8 (1d8+4, x2)
Silvered dagger +6 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Cold Iron dagger +6 (1d4+2, 19-20/x2)
Breastplate, Heavy wooden shield (+6 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 12
Condition None

[Farmerbink]

Firi'Sar nods, following Akula into the chamber, and drinking an extract.

Spoiler: Firi'Sar, pre-fight

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Firi'Sar Throshana
Male NG Elf Swash 1, Empiricist 3//Arcanist 4, Level 4, Init 10, HP 25/25, Speed 30
AC 24, Touch 16, Flat-footed 19, CMD 13, Fort 5, Ref 8, Will 3, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Rapier (MW) +9 (1d6+4, 18-20, x2) Small: +11 (1d4+5, 18-20, x2)
Rapier (cold iron) +8 (1d6+4) 18-20, x2) Small: +10 (1d4+5) 18-20, x2)
Light crossbow (20 bolts) +7 (1d8, 19-20, x2) Small: +9 (1d6, 19-20, x2)
Mage Armor, Shield Extract (+4 armor, +4 shield, +5 Dex, +1 size)
Abilities Str 7, Dex 18, 20, Con 10, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition Lightbringer: +1 CL for light related spells
Panache: 4/6
Inspiration: 5/5
Arcane Reservoir: 2/5
Extracts & Spells (See list https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2377717)

Bless:+1 to-hit and saves vs fear (10 rounds)

drink shield extract
move to Q/27

[RCgothic]

"What is it girl?" Cordelia and her growing companion. "What do you hear?" Cordelia stays to the rear of the group, on her guard.

[DarkOne-Rob]

As the party creeps into the cavern several of you notice a nasty yellow smear on several of the silken sheets, smeared as if something was oozing and brushed up against them in passing. The source of the puss doesn't stay hidden for more than a moment, though, as out of the darkness comes screaming a reptilian monstrosity! It leaps up at the last moment and pounces at Akula with murder the only possible motive...

Spoiler: Ripclaw, the Savage Deinonychus

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Spoiler: Map, Round 1

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Firi'Sar is now represented by a "Ratfolk Rogue" token to note his altered-self form.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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If the PCs can kill Ripclaw mid-air then he won't get off a full attack. Since that seems unlikely I am going to go ahead and roll the attacks so that Akula can act accordingly stabilize in your next post, @DrK. To kill him you need to deal 42 damage through DR 5/magic...

Ripclaw crits with his talons, and hits with both foreclaws and a bite for a total of 33 damage to Akula. He gets to attack before going down, but then it's time to stabilize or heal him!

As the party tries to attack the monstrous dinosaur the beast literally rips into Akula, doing devastating damage in the blink of an eye! Will the Darfellan survive?

Everyone except Tillandi beat Ripclaw in initiative, but he is literally pouncing, so what I'm going to do is have Firi'Sar, Akula, and Cordelia take a single action. Then Ripclaw will lay into Akula with a charging-full-attack. After that, we will have initiative as normal, with all the PCs acting.

Begin round "1!"

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula looks up as the curtains flicker and flap, the movement getting closer before the savage apparation of scales and claws is upon him! He feels flesh tearing and claws ripping into his belly as he lashes out with harpoon once before the blood purs from his ravaged frame and he topples forwards

Spoiler: OOC

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stab with harpoon and PA (1d20+9)[28] dam (1d8+14)[16]

Stabilise DC 11 (1d20+2)[16]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 4 // 4, Init 4, HP -1/37, Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, CMD 19, = 14 AC currently due to large
Fort 6, Ref 5, Will 7, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 4
Unarmed +8 (+6/6) (1d8+5, x2)
Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +9 (1d8+6, x3)
CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str, Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +8 (touch) (Entangled, -)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P) MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition None

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (4/5 remaining):
Divine Favour 9/10 rounds (+2 atk/dam)

Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]

Spells inf / 3/4 / 2/2 remaining
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water, Detect Poison
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path, Cure Light
2nd: Tactical Acumen, Invisibility