Carrion Crown Season One IC

[Zero Prime]

Lady Alexanna Vidivicci, dispossessed Countess AC: 15 (19) | FF: 14 (18) | TOUCH: 11 | HP: 10 | Current: 10 Fortitude: +4 | Reflex: +1 | Will: +2 | Perception: +5 Magus Spell Slots: 1st: 0/1 Active Effects: Arcane Pool (+1 Enhancement); Shield (+4 Shield Bonus to AC) Conditions: None. In her attempt to dislodge the stubborn stirge, Alexanna's usually precise movements falter, and the creature clings tenaciously to her arm despite her efforts. Frustration flickers in her eyes as the bloodsucker remains firmly attached, continuing to pose a threat. Turning her attention to the source of the haunting flute melody proves equally challenging amidst the chaotic scene. The cacophony of buzzing wings and the desperate clashes with stirges create a disorienting environment, making it difficult for Alexanna to pinpoint the elusive musician behind the enchanting tunes. The melody echoes through the air, weaving a perplexing trail that eludes her grasp, leaving her momentarily perplexed in the midst of the skirmish.

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

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Reaction: None.
Swift Action: 5 ft Step back into the Stirge Free Zone

Standard Action: Strike vs. Attached Stirge. (1d20+5)[9] vs AC, for (1d10+4)[5] damage.
Move: Seek (Perception) source of the Stirge Song. 14.

[Farmerbink]

Quickly feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of stirges, Elian frantically peers into the woods on both sides of the caravan. As he does, his illusory wall dissipates.

Spoiler: Elian, Round 4

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Elian Evenstarr
M Neutral Dhampir Sorcerer, Level 1, Init 3, HP 5/5, Speed 30
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat-footed 10, CMD 12, Fort 0, Ref 3, Will 4, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 0
(+3 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 16, Con 8, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 18
Condition None

Double move to perception the source of the stirges. Rolled in the dice thread: 21 on the second attempt.

[Inspectre]

Alexanna continues to swing wildly, unable to shake or hit the stirge off as it doggedly clings to her side, settling down to feed before she steps back into Zellara's repellent song, causing it to rouse back up into flight.
She tilts her head, trying to track down the source of that damn flute music that seems to be drawing them in, to minimal success.

Spoiler: Perception DC 14

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Alexanna can identify that the flutist, wherever they may be, is not lurking close in the bushes to watch this surprise ambush. Rather they are somewhere much further back into the treeline, almost certainly all but impossible to see or locate while standing on the road itself trying to peer into the dense, dark, and perpetually mist-shrouded Ustlavian forest.

Ignoring the stirge settling on his shoulder to feed and the other one buzzing around his head, Elian likewise concentrates on pinpointing the location of the seeming mastermind behind this plague of beasts on the caravan, and makes a startling and disturbing discovery.

Spoiler: Perception DC 21

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Like Alexanna, Elian determines that the flutist is not in the forest nearby. What is baffling, however, is the fact that as he concentrates on narrowing down where the soft melody of the flute is coming from, he determines that it is literally coming from everywhere around the caravan. Or more specifically, it comes from a discrete direction - say, in the woods to the north one moment, and then the next moment it dramatically shifts sides to come from the south. Or back the way you come, or around the bend in the forest ahead of you beyond the fallen tree. This sudden and seemingly random shifting in the direction of the flute's melody is simply physically impossible - either there are multiple flutists surrounding the caravan on all sides that are capable of matching each other perfectly so that a second begins the split-second that the first stops, or the one flutist is circling around the caravan through the woods at simply ludicrous speeds, faster than even a dragon could move through the sky. The only plausible explanation, then, is some sort of magic at work . . . right?

Up at the very front of the caravan, the battle continues to rage as the other mire nettle continues waving its branches menacingly at the head guardsman and Kristoph. Again its branches are deflected off Kristoph's shield with ease, while the lead guardsman has no such protection. With unerring accuracy, the animated bush against rakes its bramble-coated limbs across the man's unprotected face, and this time leaves behind a handful of nettles embedded in his right cheek. The lead guardsman, a gruff and no-nonsense person from everything you've seen on this journey, squeals like a child receiving their first painful injury in life, crumbling back against the side of the carriage and blindly pawing at his face with his free hand, trying to dislodge the embedded and evidently extremely painful thorns.

Spoiler: Mire Nettle #2

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2 swings at Kristoph and Guard #1 each
Kristoph
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[11]
Damage: (1d4)[4]
Hit: Fort Save DC 13 or Staggered for 1 Round (can stack)

To-Hit: (1d20+4)[10]
Damage: (1d4)[4]
Hit: Fort Save DC 13 or Staggered for 1 Round (can stack)

Guard #1
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[22]
Damage: (1d4)[3]
Hit: Fort Save DC 13 or Staggered for 1 Round (can stack)

To-Hit: (1d20+4)[22]
Damage: (1d4)[2]
Hit: Fort Save DC 13 or Staggered for 1 Round (can stack)

Undaunted by the pair of horses desperately flailing their hooves at the monstrosity, the assassin vine rears up and again throws itself forward in a lunge at the wounded horse. And again, as if protected by the Goddess of Fate and Death Herself, the vines slam into the harness around the horse rather than it's actual flesh.

Spoiler: Assassin Vine

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Attacking the wounded horse again.
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[8]
Damage: (1d8+7)[13]

Some of the stirges, finally allowed to settle onto their selected victims for long enough, insert their proboscis-like beak, burrowing around armor and through cloth into the flesh, and they all take a deep drink of blood. Even Fatima, despite the best efforts of Adivion's scarf, feels the telltale painful stabbing sensation of a stirge beak inserting itself into the side of her neck. Worse still, even as she feels a bit light-headed from the sudden rush of blood out of her neck, she feels a slimy wad of something being inserted into her veins, lasting only a brief disconcerting moment before it dissipates and filters into her bloodstream (Rather than leave it a complete mystery, I've already rolled your Fort save in the dice roller thread. Time will tell if it was good enough ). Still, a few people flail around enough that the stirges can only cling on for dear life rather than actually take a drink, those being Lars and Elian (both stirges nat 1'd their grapple checks, so they're still attached but fail to drink this turn after all!)

The stirge that had been clinging to Alexanna flaps backward into the air and turns to flee out of the region of Zellara's song, given the noblewoman yet another chance to cut it in twain. (Alexanna gets another AoO against the stirge as it attempts to leave her square on its turn). Assuming it survives to make good on its escape, it then risks death against as it flaps over to buzz around Irina's head, now risking the gauntlet of her claws, as well as Valerija's sword. (If it survives Alexanna's AoO, it moves in and provokes another AoO from Irina, as well as Valerija as it double moves into L20 - Irina's square.) Continuing to chase after Aaron, the two stirges that have been buzzing about him continue to close and attempt to settle on him to feed - drawing the ire of Irina, Valerija, and Aaron all. (Irina, Valerija, and Aaron all get AoOs against Stirge #13 & #21 as they move into Aaron's square and again try to attach.)

Finally, the last current "veteran" stirge lands on Elian's other shoulder and attempts to sink its own claws and beak into his pale flesh (no AoOs here unfortunately.)

And then the last wave of stirges come swarming onto the road and amongst the caravan's beleaguered defenders. One stirge goes after Lars (provoking an AoO), two more stirges, intelligent enough to apparently appreciate the flutist's melody but too stupid to realize that they fly onward to their deaths before the axe and spear combo of EKARD THE STIRGE ANNIHILATOR fly into his reach (Ekard gets an AoO against one of them), a second moves to join the one feasting on Fatima (provoking an AoO from her dagger). Another flies past her to menace the driver of Luramin's carriage, buzzing around his head as it looks for a vulnerable spot to land (Fatima can have an AoO against this one instead if she wants to play hero).

A second stirge join its brethren in circling Irina's head, and two others move in to begin buzzing around Valerija's in a similar pattern (if they still somehow have AoOs, Irina and Valerija gets another 3 here.)

From the south, another wave of stirges come flying in to buzz around Kristoph and Elian, attempting to land on them. (AoO for Kristoph - Elian sadly doesn't get one due to no melee.). No longer blocked by Elian's illusionary wall, another one lands on the cursing guard already struggling with the one feeding on him, and two more descend to join the feeding frenzy on Aaron (provoking an AoO from Aaron if he has one left).

Spoiler: Lars AoO

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To-Hit: (1d20+7)[12]
Damage: (1d8+3)[11]

Spoiler: Stirges

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Stirge #13
Move into M22, attach to Aaron
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[16] vs. Touch

Stirge #16
Grapple: (1d20+16)[17] (+5 to Maintain)
Success: Suck 1 Con out of Lars

Stirge #19
Grapple: (1d20+16)[30] (+5 to Maintain)
Success: Suck 1 Con out of Fatima

Stirge #22
Grapple: (1d20+16)[29] (+5 to Maintain)
Success: Suck 1 Con out of Kristoph

Stirge #23
Grapple: (1d20+16)[17] (+5 to Maintain)
Success: Suck 1 Con out of Elian

Stirge #24
Grapple: (1d20+16)[34] (+5 to Maintain)
Success: Suck 1 Con out of Guard #3

Stirge #25
Attempt to attach to Elian
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[14] vs. Touch

Stirge #26
Move into M22, attach to Aaron
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[15] vs. Touch

Stirge #27
Move into H4, attach to Lars
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[8] vs. Touch

Stirge #28
Move into H9, attach to Ekard
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[13] vs. Touch

Stirge #29
Move into H9, attach to Ekard
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[13] vs. Touch

Stirge #30
Move into H12, attach to Fatima
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[23] vs. Touch

Stirge #31
Double move into J13

Stirge #32
Double move into L20

Stirge #33
Double move into L21

Stirge #34
Double move into L21

Stirge #35
Move to N8, Attach to Kristoph
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[21]

Stirge #36
Move to N8, Attach to Kristoph
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[22]

Stirge #37
Move to M11, Attach to Elian
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[23]

Stirge #38
Move to M15, Attach to Guard #3
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[12]

Stirge #39
Move to M22, Attach to Aaron
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[25]

Stirge #40
Move to M22, Attach to Aaron
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[25]

[Inspectre]

Terrified out of their equine minds but unable to do very much at all about it sandwiched between the carriage and the writhing mass of vines attempting to smash them, the horses continue to rear and kick with wild abandon - like everything in Ustalav, even the horses will fight to the bitter death in order to survive against the monstrosities that come lunging out of the shadows!

Spoiler: Luramin's Horses

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Riding Horse #1
To-Hit: (1d20-2)[16]
Damage: (1d4+1)[2]

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[14]
Damage: (1d4+1)[5]

Riding Horse #2
To-Hit: (1d20-2)[15]
Damage: (1d4+1)[4]

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[12]
Damage: (1d4+1)[5]

At the back of the carriage, the driver has his own fight for survival, drawing a knife from his belt and stabbing at the stirge buzzing around his head.

Spoiler: Driver

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Move: Pull out dagger
To-Hit: (1d20+2)[13]
Damage: (1d4+2)[6]

And to Elian's surprise, he hears the door to Luramin's carriage creak open. Turning his head, he sees the merchant still lying on the floor of the carriage, one arm outstretched through the now open doorway - and pointing some sort of strange metal tube-like contraption at him . . . Elian think it might be called a pistol?

"I'm no godsdamn g-good with this t-thing."

The merchant stammers, working a hammer at the rear of the tube back and into place with his thumb after fumbling the first few times. He raises the weapon to point solidly at Elian, hand shaking and causing the open end of the tube to quiver and jitter all over the place.

"D-don't move, my friend."

And then he pulls a metal prong on the bottom of the tube, and there is a thunderous roar as something whizzes through the air past Elian's head!

Spoiler: Luramin

Show

Move: Open the carriage door
Standard: Fire pistol at Stirge #23 (vs. Touch, Misfire 1)
To-Hit: (1d20)[11] (-4 Non-Proficiency) vs. Touch
Damage: (1d8)[4]

At the back of the caravan, Zellara clammers down from the carriage and begins carefully striding towards the front of the caravan, still singing and agitating the stirges around Valerija and Aaron into flight (Irina is jjjjust out of the area of effect this round). Her strange traveling companion runs right up to Aaron, offering him his pick of the vials of alchemist fire packed into the open crate he is carrying.

"Hehehe, got some good things for yah here, stranger!"

We're now around to Fatima, Ekard, Kristoph, Aaron, Valerija, and Irina!

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Alexanna - (1d20+5)[21]
Adivion - (1d20+7)[18]
Elian - (1d20+3)[16]
Guards - (1d20+2)[16]

Assassin Vine - (1d20+0)[16]
Mire Nettles - (1d20+1)[17] - Delaying
Stirges, Lots of Stirges - (1d20+4)[15]

WE ARE HERE

Aaron - (1d20+5)[14]
Zellara/Trader - (1d20+3)[11]
Luramin/Driver - (1d20+1)[8]
Irina - (1d20+4)[8]
Fatima - (1d20+3)[8]
Kristoph - (1d20+3)[6]
Valerija - (1d20+2)[5]
Ekard - (1d20+2)[5]

Battle Map

Spoiler: Status

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-Good Guys-
Kristoph (N8) - 0 Damage, -1 Con
Elian (M11) - 0 Damage
Aaron (M22) - 0 Damage, Mage Armor (+4 Force Armor AC), Chill Touch (1 Use)
Fatima (H12) - 0 Damage, Allied Cloak (+2 Shield AC, Free Aid Another 1/round), -1 Con
Alexanna (G24) - 0 Damage, Arcane Pool (+1 Enchant 4/10), Shield (4/10)
Valerija (L21) - 0 Damage
Ekard (H11) - 0 Damage
Irina (L20) - 0 Damage

-Allies-
Adivion (L25) - 0 Damage
Driver (J13) - 3 Damage
Luramin (K11) - 0 Damage
Guard 1 (L9) - 8 Damage, Staggered 1 round (Pain)
Guard 2 (I9) - 0 Damage
Guard 3 (M15) - 0 Damage, -2 Con
Lars (H4) - 0 Damage
Zellara (J31) - 0 Damage
Trader (M28) - 0 Damage
Luramin's Horse #2 - 14 Damage

-Bad Guys-
Assassin Vine (K5/J6) - 9 Damage
Mire Nettle 1 (H8) - DEAD
Mire Nettle 2 (M8) - 17 Damage, DR5/Slashing or Bludgeoning
Stirge 1-12 - DEAD
Stirge 13 (M22) - 0 Damage, Attached (Aaron)
Stirge 14 (M9) - DEAD
Stirge 15 (R30) - DEAD
Stirge 16 (H4) - 0 Damage, Attached (Lars)
Stirge 17 (G8) - DEAD
Stirge 18 (H11) - DEAD
Stirge 19 (H12) - 0 Damage, Attached (Fatima), +1 Blood
Stirge 20 (G24) - DEAD
Stirge 21 (L20) - 0 Damage
Stirge 22 (M9) - 0 Damage, Attached (Kristoph), +1 Blood
Stirge 23 (M11) - 0 Damage, Attached (Elian)
Stirge 24 (M15) - 0 Damage, Attached (Guard #3), +1 Blood
Stirge 25 (M11) - 0 Damage, Attached (Elian)
Stirge 26 (M22) - 0 Damage, Attached (Aaron)
Stirge 27 (H4) - 0 Damage
Stirge 28 (H9) - 0 Damage, Attached (Ekard)
Stirge 29 (H9) - 0 Damage, Attached (Ekard)
Stirge 30 (H12) - 0 Damage, Attached (Fatima)
Stirge 31 (J13) - 0 Damage
Stirge 32 (L20) - 0 Damage
Stirge 33 (L21) - 0 Damage
Stirge 34 (L21) - 0 Damage
Stirge 35 (N8) - 0 Damage, Attached (Kristoph)
Stirge 36 (N8) - 0 Damage, Attached (Kristoph)
Stirge 37 (M11) - 0 Damage, Attached (Elian)
Stirge 38 (M15) - 0 Damage, Attached (Guard #3)
Stirge 39 (M22) - 0 Damage, Attached (Aaron)
Stirge 40 (M22) - 0 Damage, Attached (Aaron)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Kristoph Harrisson Male Lawful Good Half-Elf Paladin 1, Level 1, Init 3, HP 13/13, Speed 20 ft (30 ft. Base) AC 19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18, CMD 14, Fort 4, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 1, Action Points 3 Falcata +3 (1d8+2, 19-20/x3) Breastplate, Heavy Steel Shield (+6 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Dex) Abilities Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 9, Cha 17 Condition Smite Evil (0/1 Used)

"To the front! We must move the log!" calls Kristoph as he swats at the stirges and strikes at the mire nettle plant again. "We cannot face so many! Clear the road!"

Spoiler: Mechanics, Round 4

Show

AoO vs the stirge: (1d20+3)[8] to hit, (1d20+3)[18] (19-20/x3), (1d8+2)[3] slashing damage, (1d8+2)[6] critical strike damage.

5-ft step to N7 and attack the mire nettle: (1d20+5)[9] to hit, (1d20+5)[6] (19-20/x3), (1d8+2)[10] slashing damage, (1d8+2)[3] critical strike damage.

[Rilem]

"Get it!" Fatima fairly yells at the scarf as the second Stirge alights upon her, trying to keep the nerves out of her voice. She's not sure if the scarf even hears her, but maybe it helps; this thrust feels like it hit something. She stabs at the beast again, then continues moving toward the front.

"If they're afraid of her music, get her forward!" she calls.

Spoiler: actions

Show

AOO roll in dice thread, 14 Attack vs. attached Stirge 30 for 3 dmg.

Standard action: Attack Stirge 30
(1d20)[3] for (1d4)[4] damage
Critical Confirm (1d20)[19]

Move to G-8, next to Ekard. I can get all of our Stirges off of us next round if we're willing to east some splash damage.

[The_Snark]

Irina is already beginning to regret her bravado as more stirges surround them; the safety of Zellara's song looks awfully appealing right now. But she finally manages to get hold of one as it descends on her, sinking sharp fingernails deep into its abdomen and flinging it away to bleed out on the ground. Emboldened by her success, she steps towards Aaron - the poor fellow looks seconds from being drained dry, with no fewer than four nestled on him - and lays into the parasites, plucking then off one by one while they're unable to flit away and eviscerating them.

Spoiler

Show

AoO against Stirge 21 (if still alive; if not, same against 32): (1d20+5)[23], damage (1d4+2)[6]

Then, taking a 5-foot step into M21 and making a full attack against the stirges attached to Aaron; targeting 13 first, if it's still alive, then moving on to 26, 39, or 40 as needed.
Attack 1: (1d20+6)[20]
Damage: (1d4+2)[6] plus (1d6)[4] sneak attack

Attack 2: (1d20+6)[13]
Damage: (1d4+2)[6] plus (1d6)[2] sneak attack

[Gyrfalcon]

Aaron is on the verge of full-blown panic as a wave of dog-sized mutant mosquito monsters descend on him, easily evading his magical armor to cling voraciously to his head and neck, probicii finding tender flesh and sinking deep. His glowing hand finally manages to catch one of the horrid monsters and jolts it with cold energy. Then Miss Irina is there, clawed hands crunching into their bodies as she rips them free (which stings, but is appreciated) and crushes and tears them as she flings their bodies to the ground.

The gypsy and her companion arrive, the strange song she sings causing the last stirges to release their grip as they struggle to stay away from the singer.

Freed from their grasp, Aaron takes one of the offered alchemist's fire and takes a deep breath to calm his racing heart.

Spoiler: OOC

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Attack of Opportunity vs Stirge #39 (Touch) - (1d20-1)[12]
if it misses, Attack vs Stirge #39 (Touch + flanking) - (1d20+1)[13]

Damage - (1d6)[2]
1 Str Damage (DC 16 Fort to avoid)

If he's discharged his Chill Touch, Aaron casts Acid Splash on one of the stirges as it attempts to flee.

Acid Splash (Ranged Touch, shooting into Melee, with Flanking)- (1d20-1)[7]
Damage - (1d3)[2]

[Narbaculus]

"Stirge kebab," Ekard remarks to himself, stabbing at the beast flying down toward him with now-well-rehearsed exercise.

Spoiler: Attack of Opportunity at Stirge #28

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To hit: (1d20+5)[20]
Damage: (1d6+3)[5] piercing

"Get it! If they're afraid of her music, get her forward!" Ekard hears the half-drow cry out behind him.
Grimacing, he barks, "Duck!" and turns on the spot as Fatima runs past him. The axe-head of the urgrosh narrowly misses her head before it slams into the stirge drinking from her neck. The spear-head skewers upward again, aimed at the other stirge on Ekard's shoulder.

Spoiler: Full Attack at Stirge #19 and Stirge #29

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To hit Stirge #19: (1d20+3)[14]
Damage: (1d8+3)[9] slashing
To hit Stirge #29: (1d20+3)[7]
Damage: (1d6+3)[8] piercing

He steps over the body of the mire nettle, muddying his boots with aloe and pith. Keeping his back to Luramin's cart, Ekard recalls Prof. Lorrimor's hidden message. Trust no one.

Spoiler: 5-foot Step

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Move 5' to H8.

[Zero Prime]

Lady Alexanna Vidivicci, dispossessed Countess AC: 15 (19) | FF: 14 (18) | TOUCH: 11 | HP: 10 | Current: 10 Fortitude: +4 | Reflex: +1 | Will: +2 | Perception: +5 Magus Spell Slots: 1st: 0/1 Active Effects: Arcane Pool (+1 Enhancement); Shield (+4 Shield Bonus to AC) Conditions: None. Despite the chaos surrounding her, Alexanna remains focused on the immediate threat as the stirge attempts to flee. With a swift and determined motion, she swings her broadsword, slicing cleanly through the air and intercepting the retreating creature. The blade connects with a satisfying thud, cutting the stirge in half mid-flight. As Alexanna's blade cuts through the stirge, her gaze briefly flickers to Zellara, the Varisian woman who has been their gracious hostess. Yet, even as she dispatches one foe, her senses remain alert to the ongoing turmoil engulfing the caravan.

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

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Reaction: AoO vs Strige: (1d20+5)[23] vs AC, for (1d10+5)[6] damage.
Swift Action: N-A

Standard Action: N-A
Move: N-A.

[Inspectre]

Valerija hacks at one of the stirges swooping towards her, and then shifts her aim to one of them still perched on poor Aaron.

Spoiler: Valerija

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AoO vs. Stirge #33
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[15]
Damage: (1d8+5)[9]

Attack vs. Stirge #40
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[18]
Damage: (1d8+5)[8]

Despite Adivion's fears that you were all going to die here beneath a relentless tide of tiny flying bloodsuckers, the forest beyond the road remains still, no more stirges making their appearance despite the flute continuing to play on and on.

End of Round 4

"You heard the man! To the fallen tree! We must clear the road!"

Adivion shouts as encouragement - of a sort - as he sends out another wave of magical missiles at one of the stirges clinging to Kristoph and Elian each, before he begins to move forward, pushing past Aaron towards the front.

Spoiler: Adivion

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Magic Missile vs. Stirge #22 & #23
22 - (2d4+2)[8]
23 - (2d4+2)[8]
Move: Move to M19

The lead guard continues chopping at the mire nettle along with Kristoph, while the second guard hacks at the last stirge on Ekard that was clinging stubbornly to his back at an awkward angle for him to reach with the spiked butt of his urgosh. Lars also pauses to slash at a stirge on his back after arriving at the fallen tree, and the final guard, giving up on wrestling the tiny terrors off of him, resorts to trying to bludgeon one of them with the butt of his crossbow. His brutality seems to pay off for once as he smashes the stirge off into a bloody heap in the dust, which he then stomps on several times for good measure.

Spoiler: Guards

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Guard #1 - vs. Mire Nettle (+2 Flanking with Kristoph)
To-Hit: (1d20+9)[10]
Damage: (1d8+3)[8]

Guard #2 - vs. Stirge #29
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[10]
Damage: (1d8+3)[4]

Guard #3 - vs. Stirge #38
To-Hit: (1d20+3)[13] (-4 improvised club)
Damage: (1d6+3)[7]

Lars - vs. Stirge #16
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[8]
Damage: (1d8+3)[9]
Move - Move to H2

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Adivion - (1d20+7)[18]
Guards - (1d20+2)[16]

WE ARE HERE

Alexanna - (1d20+5)[21]
Elian - (1d20+3)[16]

Assassin Vine - (1d20+0)[16]
Mire Nettles - (1d20+1)[17] - Delaying
Stirges, Lots of Stirges - (1d20+4)[15]

WE ARE HERE

Aaron - (1d20+5)[14]
Zellara/Trader - (1d20+3)[11]
Luramin/Driver - (1d20+1)[8]
Irina - (1d20+4)[8]
Fatima - (1d20+3)[8]
Kristoph - (1d20+3)[6]
Valerija - (1d20+2)[5]
Ekard - (1d20+2)[5]

Battle Map

Elian, Lars, and Kristoph have 2 stirges still attached to them. Ekard, Fatima, Guard #3, Aaron have 1 stirge attached now.

Spoiler: Status

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-Good Guys-
Kristoph (N7) - 0 Damage, -1 Con
Elian (M11) - 0 Damage
Aaron (M22) - 0 Damage, Mage Armor (+4 Force Armor AC), Chill Touch (1 Use)
Fatima (G8) - 0 Damage, Allied Cloak (+2 Shield AC, Free Aid Another 1/round), -1 Con
Alexanna (G24) - 0 Damage, Arcane Pool (+1 Enchant 4/10), Shield (4/10)
Valerija (L21) - 0 Damage
Ekard (H8) - 0 Damage
Irina (L20) - 0 Damage

-Allies-
Adivion (M19) - 0 Damage
Driver (J13) - 3 Damage
Luramin (K11) - 0 Damage
Guard 1 (L9) - 8 Damage, Staggered 1 round (Pain)
Guard 2 (I9) - 0 Damage
Guard 3 (M15) - 0 Damage, -2 Con
Lars (H2) - 0 Damage
Zellara (J31) - 0 Damage
Trader (M28) - 0 Damage
Luramin's Horse #2 - 14 Damage

-Bad Guys-
Assassin Vine (K5/J6) - 9 Damage
Mire Nettle 1 (H8) - DEAD
Mire Nettle 2 (M8) - 17 Damage, DR5/Slashing or Bludgeoning
Stirge 1-15 - DEAD
Stirge 16 (H2) - 0 Damage, Attached (Lars)
Stirge 17-23 - DEAD
Stirge 24 (M15) - 0 Damage, Attached (Guard #3), +1 Blood
Stirge 25 (M11) - 0 Damage, Attached (Elian)
Stirge 26 (M22) - DEAD
Stirge 27 (H4) - 0 Damage
Stirge 28 (H9) - DEAD
Stirge 29 (H9) - 0 Damage, Attached (Ekard)
Stirge 30 (H12) - 0 Damage, Attached (Fatima)
Stirge 31 (J13) - 0 Damage
Stirge 32 (L20) - DEAD
Stirge 33 (L21) - 0 Damage
Stirge 34 (L21) - 0 Damage
Stirge 35 (N8) - 0 Damage, Attached (Kristoph)
Stirge 36 (N8) - 0 Damage, Attached (Kristoph)
Stirge 37 (M11) - 0 Damage, Attached (Elian)
Stirge 38 (M15) - DEAD
Stirge 39 (M22) - 2 Damage, Attached (Aaron)
Stirge 40 (M22) - DEAD

[Farmerbink]

Elian looks around in near-blind terror. "The flautist is moving! We need Zellara!" He glances longingly at the bizarre emptiness surrounding the singer before visibly willing himself away. He dashes over to Kristoph's side, murmuring. "I sincerely hope this doesn't kill us!"

Spoiler: Elian, Round 4

Show

Elian Evenstarr
M Neutral Dhampir Sorcerer, Level 1, Init 3, HP 5/5, Speed 30
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat-footed 10, CMD 12, Fort 0, Ref 3, Will 4, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 0
(+3 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 16, Con 8, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 18
Condition None

move to O/8
cast sleep centered at N-O/8-9. Should put the guard out of range, but catch all the stirges on both Kristoph and Elian. DC 15 else nap time.

God help us if they're higher HD than we.
In case 4 HD gets to me: (1d20+4)[8]

[Zero Prime]

Lady Alexanna Vidivicci, dispossessed Countess AC: 15 (19) | FF: 14 (18) | TOUCH: 11 | HP: 10 | Current: 10 Fortitude: +4 | Reflex: +1 | Will: +2 | Perception: +5 Magus Spell Slots: 1st: 0/1 Active Effects: Arcane Pool (+1 Enhancement); Shield (+4 Shield Bonus to AC) Conditions: None. As Alexanna's eyes dart around the chaotic scene, she spots Elias calling out for Zellara's assistance. With quick thinking, she directs Zellara to where her presence is needed most urgently, urging her to maintain the counter song to keep the stirges at bay while also aiding in clearing the path ahead. Without hesitation, Alexanna dashes towards the front of the caravan, her feet pounding against the ground as she sprints with purpose. Along the way, she, breathlessly, directs anyone besieged by the swarm of stirges to seek refuge, "Retreat to the safety of Zellara's song!" Offering them a chance to escape the relentless assault. Arriving at the forefront of the caravan, Alexanna surveys the tangled mass of assassin vines and nettles blocking the path. As she prepares to engage the menacing flora in combat, the urgency of the situation demands she call for aid. With a frustrated growl, "Axes! We'll need axes to clear the tree when the threat is dealt with!"

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

Show

Reaction:
Swift Action: N-A

Standard Action: FUllround action: Run (North edge of forest, ending in F5.
Move: N-A.

[Inspectre]

Three stirges slip and fall off of Kristoph and Elian, splatting to the ground in a mass of snoozing feathers and leathery wings, while the fourth one scuttles down Elian's back out of sight, hunting the perfect spot to feed. It seems to find it, as a moment later Elian feels a sharp stabbing pain under his right arm. Meanwhile, Alexanna dashes to the front of the caravan, hoping that there were no more surprises waiting for the group in this ambush. The front of the caravan could certainly use the help as the remaining plants continue to threaten man and beast.

Spoiler: Mire Nettle

Show

#2 continues to full-attack, splitting its attacks between Kristoph and the guard.
vs Kristoph:
#1
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[5]
Damage: (1d4)[2]
Hit: Fort Save DC 13 or Staggered for 1 round (stacks)

#2
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[11]
Damage: (1d4)[2]
Hit: Fort Save DC 13 or Staggered for 1 round (stacks)

vs Guard #1:
#1
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[17]
Damage: (1d4)[4]
Hit: Fort Save DC 13 or Staggered for 1 round (stacks)

#2
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[22]
Damage: (1d4)[4]
Hit: Fort Save DC 13 or Staggered for 1 round (stacks)

Spoiler: Assassin Vine

Show

Smashing that stupid horse, this time for sure!
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[9]
Damage: (1d8+7)[11]
Grab: (1d20+13)[32]

The lead guard manages to get a gauntleted arm up in front of his face to block the mire nettle's relentless assault on his face this time, but that only leaves his armpit vulnerable as a flailing branch catches him there, penetrating the chainmail and drawing forth a fresh round of screams from the normally taciturn man. The assassin vine, for all of its fearsome reputation, seems almost to be playing with its food at this point as it continues splintering the wood all around the horse.

The stirges on Ekard, Fatima, Elian, Lars, and the other caravan guard all begin to feed, while near the back of the caravan the last stirge still clinging to Aaron is stirred back into flight by the approach of Zellera and her strange countersong. As if Fate is determined to harm her, again Fatima feels a glob of something ooze out of the stirge's beak into her bloodstream as this new stirge impales its beak on the other side of her neck, leaving her with a pair of marks that look like she's been attacked by a gap-toothed vampire. Elian gets a bloody mark on his side just below his right armpit, and the stirges finally get their revenge upon Ekard THE STIRGE ANNIHILATOR as one bites a bloody wound into his left shoulder.

The stirge behind Luramin's carriage attempts to land on his driver, while the remaining three at the back of the caravan take flight, provoking a flurry of blows chasing after them as they retreat, one heading towards Adivion's back, only for the professor to whirl and strike at it with his staff, smashing it out of the air while the other two continue on to pester the poor guard who has been attracting the bulk of their attention (assuming the three live that long, anyway).

Irina, Valerija get AoOs vs. the Stirges. rolling Valerija's below.

Spoiler: Stirges

Show

Stirges on Lars, Ekard, Fatima, Elian, and Guard #3 all feed.

Stirge #31 - Attach to driver
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[15] vs. Touch AC

Stirge #33 - Move to M15, attach to Guard #3
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[13] vs. Touch AC

Stirge #34 - Move to M15, attach to Guard #3
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[15] vs. Touch AC

Stirge #39 - Move to M19, attach to Adivion
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[19] vs. Touch AC

Spoiler: AoOs

Show

Valerija
To-Hit: (1d20+4)[13]
Damage: (1d8+4)[8]

Adivion
To-Hit: (1d20+10)[28]
Damage: (1d6+4)[6]

[Inspectre]

His moment of bravery over, Luramin closes the door to his carriage again while his driver flails at the bird-bat-mosquito hybrid now clinging to his neck, pulling a dagger off of his belt to stab at it.

Spoiler: Driver

Show

To-Hit: (1d20+1)[8]
Damage: (1d4+1)[3]

Meanwhile, the horses continue to fight for their lives instead of play, continuing to kick the **** out of the assassin vine.

Spoiler: Horses

Show

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[4]
Damage: (1d4+1)[5]

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[-1]
Damage: (1d4+1)[3]

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[12]
Damage: (1d4+1)[3]

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[5]
Damage: (1d4+1)[4]

Zellara continues to slowly advance towards the front of the caravan, driving the stirges before her, while her companion runs ahead towards the front of the caravan, waving his box of alchemist fire at Elian and Kristoph as he approaches (and seeming to ignore the poor guard now drowning in another three stirges just outside of Zellara's bubble of safety.

Fatima, Ekard, Valerija, Irina, Aaron, and Kristoph are up! 2 Stirges are attached to Lars, 3 to Guard #3, 1 to Luramin's driver, and 1 to Fatima, Ekard, and Elian. The assassin vine has Reach and is not currently grappling anything - moving closer than 10' to it without using a 5' step is ill-advised. (Seriously, with the crazy luck this thing has had, it would probably crit on the AoO and make you explode).

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Adivion - (1d20+7)[18]
Guards - (1d20+2)[16]
Alexanna - (1d20+5)[21]
Elian - (1d20+3)[16]

Assassin Vine - (1d20+0)[16]
Mire Nettles - (1d20+1)[17] - Delaying
Stirges, Lots of Stirges - (1d20+4)[15]

WE ARE HERE

Aaron - (1d20+5)[14]
Zellara/Trader - (1d20+3)[11]
Luramin/Driver - (1d20+1)[8]
Irina - (1d20+4)[8]
Fatima - (1d20+3)[8]
Kristoph - (1d20+3)[6]
Valerija - (1d20+2)[5]
Ekard - (1d20+2)[5]

Battle Map

Spoiler: Status

Show

-Good Guys-
Kristoph (N7) - 0 Damage, -1 Con
Elian (M11) - 0 Damage, -1 Con
Aaron (M22) - 0 Damage, Mage Armor (+4 Force Armor AC), Chill Touch (1 Use)
Fatima (G8) - 0 Damage, Allied Cloak (+2 Shield AC, Free Aid Another 1/round), -2 Con
Alexanna (G24) - 0 Damage, Arcane Pool (+1 Enchant 4/10), Shield (4/10)
Valerija (L21) - 0 Damage
Ekard (H8) - 0 Damage, -1 Con
Irina (L20) - 0 Damage

-Allies-
Adivion (M19) - 0 Damage
Driver (J13) - 3 Damage
Luramin (K11) - 0 Damage
Guard 1 (L9) - 12 Damage, Staggered 2 round (Pain)
Guard 2 (I9) - 0 Damage
Guard 3 (M15) - 0 Damage, -3 Con
Lars (H2) - 0 Damage, -2 Con
Zellara (J31) - 0 Damage
Trader (M28) - 0 Damage
Luramin's Horse #2 - 14 Damage

-Bad Guys-
Assassin Vine (K5/J6) - 9 Damage
Mire Nettle 1 (H8) - DEAD
Mire Nettle 2 (M8) - 17 Damage, DR5/Slashing or Bludgeoning
Stirge 1-15 - DEAD
Stirge 16 (H2) - 0 Damage, Attached (Lars), +1 Blood
Stirge 17-23 - DEAD
Stirge 24 (M15) - 0 Damage, Attached (Guard #3), +2 Blood
Stirge 25 (M11) - 0 Damage, Attached (Elian), +1 Blood
Stirge 26 (M22) - DEAD
Stirge 27 (H4) - 0 Damage, Attached (Lars), +1 Blood
Stirge 28 (H9) - DEAD
Stirge 29 (H9) - 0 Damage, Attached (Ekard), +1 Blood
Stirge 30 (H12) - 0 Damage, Attached (Fatima), +1 Blood
Stirge 31 (J13) - 0 Damage, Attached (Driver)
Stirge 32 (L20) - DEAD
Stirge 33 (M15) - 0 Damage, Attached (Guard #3)
Stirge 34 (M15) - 0 Damage, Attached (Guard #3)
Stirge 35-37 - ASLEEP
Stirge 38-40 - DEAD

[Narbaculus]

"Ah!" Ekard gasps. The bite of the stirge causes little pain but is all the more disturbing for it. Ekard, sickened by the sensation of his blood being drained, cuts hastily at the beast on his shoulder before stabbing at the one on Fatima's neck.

Spoiler: Full Attack at Stirge #29 and Stirge #30

Show

To hit Stirge #29: (1d20+3)[11]
Damage: (1d8+3)[10] slashing
To hit Stirge #30: (1d20+3)[19]
Damage: (1d6+3)[6] piercing

Steadying himself beside Luramin's horse as it kicks at the hangman's vine, Ekard continues forward.

Spoiler: 5-foot Step

Show

Move 5' to H7.

[Rilem]

"Pull it off, pull it off," Fatima says, as the scarf attempts once more to entangle the flapping creature before it's smacked away by Ekard. She was disgusted by the thing, but not too woozy … not yet

Instead, she focuses on the assassin vine threatening the horse. Taking a few steps to ensure a clear shot, she plucks a small bottle from inside her coat and gives it a good shake before loosing it at the attacking plant, and grinning as it blossoms into flame.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

(1d20)[13]: Scarf grapple attempt vs. Stirge


Move to G6

Standard: Bomb attack vs. Assassin Vine (In square K5, so the horse should be safe from splash damage)

(1d20+4)[24] bomb for (1d6+5)[7] damage
(1d20+4)[9] Crit confirm if needed (1d6+5)[10] Crit damage

[Gyrfalcon]

Aaron raises an eyebrow at the professor's startling efficiency in melee combat, a rarity among casters... as Aaron's own ill-fated attempts have shown. He spends a moment studying the older wizard's form, before rushing to the front of the caravan with his borrowed flask of alchemist's fire.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Knowledge (arcana) - (1d20+8)[10]

Aaron takes a double move to the west this turn, ending up somewhere behind Guard #1.

[The_Snark]

Irina swats at one of the stirges as they retreat from Zellara's music - fruitlessly, the tiny beasts once again proving elusive when not locked in place by their own grotesque feeding habits. She follows them, waiting until they descend on one of the guards (she can't recall his name at the moment) before plucking one of them off him and squeezing.

Spoiler

Show

AoO misses.

Irina will then move to M16 and attack Stirge 34.
Attack: (1d20+5)[16]
Damage: (1d4+2)[6] plus (1d6)[1]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Kristoph Harrisson Male Lawful Good Half-Elf Paladin 1, Level 1, Init 3, HP 13/13, Speed 20 ft (30 ft. Base) AC 19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18, CMD 14, Fort 4, Ref 1, Will 1, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 1, Action Points 3 Falcata +3 (1d8+2, 19-20/x3) Breastplate, Heavy Steel Shield (+6 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Dex) Abilities Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 9, Cha 17 Condition Smite Evil (0/1 Used)

"Fall back if the blood-suckers leave you weak!" directs Kristoph as he continues to attack the deadly mire nettle plant.

Spoiler: Mechanics, Round 4

Show

Will save vs Sleep, if needed: (1d20+1)[18].

Attack with flanking: Falcata (1d20+5)[20] to hit, (1d20+5)[10] (19-20/x3), (1d8+2)[4] slashing damage, (2d8+4)[14] critical strike damage.

[DarkNetwerk]

Cursing at this seeming never-ending stream of stirges, she nodded in agreement at Adivion's assertion, also hearing subsequent calls from the front. Swiftly, ignoring the bugs, she moves forward, out of the protection of Zelarra's music, sweeping out along the brush line before returning inward to stand next to Kristoph and the remaining mire nettle.

Spoiler: OOC Actions

Show

Double Move: 75' (incl 4 diagonals - 3 out to the brush & 1 back inward) to N8.

[Inspectre]

Out in the dark forest, the flute music slows fades out into silence, leaving the stirges apparently to their own devices. Following their own nature, the ones still alive and attached continue to feed off of those they are still attached to.

End of Round 5

The lead guard continues hacking at the brush, although they are not the precise strikes from before but rather a wild, desperate flailing at this point. That desperation brings strength, however, and grasping his sword in both hands the lead guardsman takes a wild horizontal swing through the middle of the bush, literally chopping it in half as his sword splinters all the way through the main trunk (Mire Nettle #2 gets longsword crit and dies)! On the other side of the carriage, the other guard moves up behind Ekard and attempts to lend him a hand by cutting off the stirge on his shoulder. At the fallen tree, Lars finally turns and attempts to deal with the stirges still stubbornly clinging to him, but can't quite reach, while the last guard after seeing some success with his using his crossbow as a club continues battering away with it at another stirge, nodding a grateful thanks to Irina as she rips one off of him.

Spoiler: Guards

Show

Guard #1 at Mire Nettle (+2 Flanking)
To-Hit: (1d20+9)[28]
Damage: (1d8+3)[7]

Guard #2
Move to H8, swing at stirge on Ekard
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[13]
Damage: (1d8+3)[4]

Guard #3
Batter at attached stirge with crossbow (-4 improvised weapon)
To-Hit: (1d20+3)[19]
Damage: (1d6+3)[7]

Lars
Attack stirge on him
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[10]
Damage: (1d8+3)[10]

Adivion unleashes another wave of magic missiles, blowing apart the last of the stirges on the caravan guard and Elian that are awake and feeding.

Spoiler: Adivion

Show

Standard: Magic Missile on Stirge #24 & #25
#24: (2d4+2)[6]
#25: (2d4+2)[10]

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Adivion - (1d20+7)[18]
Guards - (1d20+2)[16]

WE ARE HERE

Alexanna - (1d20+5)[21]
Elian - (1d20+3)[16]

Assassin Vine - (1d20+0)[16]
Mire Nettles - (1d20+1)[17] - Delaying
Stirges, Lots of Stirges - (1d20+4)[15]

Aaron - (1d20+5)[14]
Zellara/Trader - (1d20+3)[11]
Luramin/Driver - (1d20+1)[8]
Irina - (1d20+4)[8]
Fatima - (1d20+3)[8]
Kristoph - (1d20+3)[6]
Valerija - (1d20+2)[5]
Ekard - (1d20+2)[5]

Battle Map

Spoiler: Status

Show

-Good Guys-
Kristoph (N7) - 0 Damage, -1 Con
Elian (O8) - 0 Damage, -1 Con
Aaron (M10) - 0 Damage, Mage Armor (+4 Force Armor AC)
Fatima (G6) - 0 Damage, Allied Cloak (+2 Shield AC, Free Aid Another 1/round), -2 Con
Alexanna (F5) - 0 Damage, Arcane Pool (+1 Enchant 6/10), Shield (6/10)
Valerija (N8) - 0 Damage
Ekard (H7) - 0 Damage, -1 Con
Irina (M16) - 0 Damage

-Allies-
Adivion (M19) - 0 Damage
Driver (J13) - 3 Damage
Luramin (K11) - 0 Damage
Guard 1 (L9) - 12 Damage, Staggered 2 round (Pain)
Guard 2 (H8) - 0 Damage
Guard 3 (M15) - 0 Damage, -3 Con
Lars (H2) - 0 Damage, -2 Con
Zellara (J31) - 0 Damage
Trader (M28) - 0 Damage
Luramin's Horse #2 - 14 Damage

-Bad Guys-
Assassin Vine (K5/J6) - 26 Damage
Mire Nettle 1 & 2 - DEAD
Stirge 1-15 - DEAD
Stirge 16 (H2) - 0 Damage, Attached (Lars), +1 Blood
Stirge 17-26 - DEAD
Stirge 27 (H4) - 0 Damage, Attached (Lars), +1 Blood
Stirge 28 (H9) - DEAD
Stirge 29 (H9) - 4 Damage, Attached (Ekard), +1 Blood
Stirge 30 (H12) - DEAD
Stirge 31 (J13) - 0 Damage, Attached (Driver)
Stirge 32-34 - DEAD
Stirge 35-37 - ASLEEP
Stirge 38-40 - DEAD

[Zero Prime]

Lady Alexanna Vidivicci, dispossessed Countess AC: 15 (19) | FF: 14 (18) | TOUCH: 11 | HP: 10 | Current: 10 Fortitude: +4 | Reflex: +1 | Will: +2 | Perception: +5 Magus Spell Slots: 1st: 0/1 Active Effects: Arcane Pool (+1 Enhancement); Shield (+4 Shield Bonus to AC) Conditions: None. As the chaos of battle rages around her, Alexanna's focus narrows to the immediate threat before her—the carnivorous assassin vine blocking the path of the caravan. With determined steps, she moves swiftly but cautiously, mindful of the vine's deadly reach. Closing in on the creature, she positions herself to flank it, using the bulk of the horse it's entangled with to shield her approach. Gripping her bastard sword tightly with both hands, she mutters a solemn oath under her breath, repeating it as it becomes a mantra. "By blood and blade, I stand. For kith and kin, I fight." With a swift and decisive motion, Alexanna swings her blade in a powerful arc aimed at the vine's thick, fibrous stem. The weight of the weapon behind the blow adds momentum, seeking to cleave through the plant's resilient flesh and sever its connection to the trapped horse. Despite the danger looming before her, Alexanna remains focused and determined, channeling her resolve into each measured movement as she seeks to turn the tide of battle in their favor.

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

Show

Reaction:
Swift Action: Change Grip [Bastard sword; 2H]

---

Move: Move to K4; Flanking with Heroic Horse (likely drawing an AoO)
Standard Action: Strike Assassin Vine, including Flanking Bonus. (1d20+7)[25] vs AC, for (1d10+7)[17] Slashing damage.

[Farmerbink]

Elian offers a quick nod of thanks to Adivion, imminently grateful for the magical help. Finally unbothered by massive insectoid things, he takes aim with his crossbow on the huge plant.

Spoiler: Elian, Round 4

Show

Elian Evenstarr
M Neutral Dhampir Sorcerer, Level 1, Init 3, HP 5/5 (4/4), Speed 30
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat-footed 10, CMD 12, Fort 0, Ref 3, Will 4, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 0
(+3 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 16, Con 8 7, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 18
Condition None

(1d20+3)[11] crossbow vs the assassin vine
(1d8)[6] damage

[Inspectre]

Sensing Alexanna's approach somehow - likely through the vibrations in the ground as she advances forward - the assassin vine rears up at her approach. Firmly grasping her weapon in both hands in a high guard position, the noble mage-warrior is ready when the thing lunges forward at her, sending one of its thickest and central vines outstretched to wrap around her. Alexanna does not flinch or hesitate despite the danger, bringing her blade down with perfect timing to slash down through the onrushing vine, literally splitting it in half. Battered and oozing ichor from where the horses' hooves have scoured off its skin and blackened and charred most everywhere else, the severed mass of vine unfurls and slumps to the ground, seemingly lifeless. But not quite dead, for as Alexanna pulls her sword back from the blow, off-balance for only a moment, the vine surges into desperate motion one last time, flinging its tattered remains at her! Without her even having to react to the sudden renewed attack, the magical shield Alexanna had conjured at the start of this battle flares to life, a shimmering wall of force that the assassin vine crashes full-bore into, knocking her back a step but inflicting no harm as the magical barrier stops the plant's lunge a full foot short of its flesh-and-blood target.

Spoiler: Assassin Vine

Show

Attacking Alexanna
To-Hit: (1d20+7)[16]
Damage: (1d8+7)[8]
Hit: Grab - (1d20+13)[20]

And then Luramin's horses attempt to finish the job, but between the flames and the terror of the past half minute, they are wild and uncontrollable, whiney and frothing at the mouth, eyes rolling in mindless terror.

Spoiler: Hoof Barrage

Show

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[11]
Damage: (1d4+1)[3]

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[10]
Damage: (1d4+1)[3]

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[4]
Damage: (1d4+1)[3]

To-Hit: (1d20-2)[8]
Damage: (1d4+1)[5]

[Rilem]

Fatima

She sees the hangman vine thrashing in desperation and moves to press the advantage — though she can't help feeling a little guilty for scaring the horses. Darting around Alexanna to get a clear look, she plucks another vial from a pouch, she hurls it against the ground, letting the volatile substance spray against the leg-like roots of the creature.

Spoiler: actions

Show

Move to J-2

Throw bomb at intersection of L-M/4-5
(Attack vs. AC5, all creatures in adjacent squares take minimum damage - in this case 5 pts. Alexanna and horse should be safe.)

(1d20+4)[22]

[DarkNetwerk]

With the plant creatures downed, Valerija looks around and sees two stirges attached to Lars. She moves to him, skirting around the burnt assassin vine while dropping the unused alchemist's fire onto it as she passes, the plant itself offering a soft landing to the flask. With her left hand free, she draws her shortsword as she approaches. Her growl turns to a cry of rage as the blood courses through her veins before she smites one of the bugs from Lars.

Spoiler: OOC Actions

Show

Move Action: 40' Move to I3
Free Action: drop alchemists fire on assassin vine (shouldn't break since not throwing it, and vine can soften/deflect to reduce break odds)
Free Action: rage
Standard Action: Attack with longsword against one of the Stirge's on Lars.

Dice Rolls
Longsword attack: (1d20+4)[17]
Longsword damage: (1d8+6)[8]

[Gyrfalcon]

With Alexanna's heroic efforts and Fatima's explosive concoction finishing the assassin vine, the battle is all but won as the music that was driving the stirges to a frenzy had disappeared. A few stirges were still attached to people, but it looked like the caravan's more martially inclined members were already moving to deal with that. Aaron took a more practical course for his talents - drawing his dagger, he knelt over one of the sleeping stirges and firmly pressed it to the ground with one gloved hand before driving his blade through its neck to finish it quickly and cleanly.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I figure this is an out of combat action. Aaron will coup de grace the sleeping stirges.

[Inspectre]

Fatima burns away the last few vestiges of the assassin vine with her second vial of incendiaries, leaving only a pile of ashes and charred bits of vine left behind to serve as a soft bed for Valerija to deposit her vial of alchemist fire atop before running over and cutting apart one of the stirges on Lars. Aaron moves over to finish off the sleeping stirges to ensure they do not bother any traveler ever again, while Irina moves up and squishes the stirge bothering Luramin's carriage driver (attack rolled for Irina and it was a hit). The last stirge on Ekard and Lars respectively attempt to flee with their ill-gotten meals, but Valerija strikes down the one near Lars as it attempts to flee, and while Ekard misses his parting swing at the stirge that had bit into him, the nearby guard redeems himself by cutting it in twain, sending droplets of Ekard's purloined blood splattering across the road as the stirge splits open (various AoOs rolled, with the result of TOTAL ANNIHILATION, no survivors!)

Zellara stops her song entirely and silence reigns over the road-turned-battlefield for several long moments, save for the quiet scuffle of armor and grunts of pain from the lead guardsman as he dabs at his face and recovers his composure from the numerous scratches which are still leaking blood down his cheeks.

"Is everyone alright!?"

Adivion calls out, and while there are some minor injuries amongst the group everyone in the caravan is largely unharmed, a minor miracle given an entire swarm of 40 stirges, 2 mire nettles, and an assassin vine lie scattered along the road around the caravan. Perhaps unsurprisingly of mere beasts, there is nothing that could be considered "loot" of value on the bodies. Of the flutist who summoned the stirges to the ambush, there is no further sign, nor do any other ambushers reveal themselves as handaxes are fetched from the supply wagon and the gnarled old tree is cut apart into firewood and removed from the road. Luramin emerges from his carriage to consult with his driver and to help calm the horses, one of which is quite badly injured despite the assassin vine's clumsiness. The decision is made to unharness the beast from the carriage and walk it back into Ravengro. As a result the caravan is moving even slower now with only one horse available to pull Luramin's carriage up front, but everyone - even the injured horse - will live to make it into Ravengro.


-Lingering Status-
Kristoph -1 Con
Elian -1 Con
Fatima -2 Con (Disease?)
Ekard -1 Con


Kristoph & Elian

As Luramin's driver begins to get his carriage moving again, the merchant leans out the window.

"Hold a moment there!"

He then looks to the two of you - "Thank you both very, very much for your aid in keeping me - er, my carriage and driver safe! Without the two of you around, something terrible might have happened indeed! I'd like to reward you for your bravery, but um . . . I'm a little short on coin at the moment, at least until I start selling some of these goods I'm bringing back to town. Hrm . . . oh, I know! You'll need lodgings during your stay in Ravengro, right? Well you just tell Sarianna when you get to the inn that Luramin owes you a favor, and that I'll be covering the cost for the duration of your stay . . . you aren't planning on staying in Ravengro more than a week, right?"

The merchant thinks a moment more, and then shoves the carriage door open, waving you both inside.

"Least I can do is give you both a rest from walking the last little bit into Ravengro as well! Er . . . no charge, no charge."

Luramin adds sheepishly a moment later, perhaps re-considering his prior extortionate offer earlier in the journey for a seat.


Ekard & Irina

"You are quite something with that weapon of yours, aren't you Master Ekard!?"

Lars says, looking a little winded and pale as he clambers back up onto the driver seat of the supply wagon, his leader still delicately pressing a scrap of cloth into the scratches on his face to stem the bleeding.

"When we get into Ravengro, come to the Laughing Demon tonight - your drinks are on me!"

Irina goes around to her customary spot at the back of the supply wagon to find that it is already occupied by one of the other guardsman, whose shoulder is pockmarked by several stirge bites. Seeing you approach, however, he hurriedly scrambles up and hops out of the wagon, gesturing weakly for you to take the seat instead, despite his pale complexion and sluggish movements. Probably the guard who had been undressing you the most with his eyes during this entire trip, his expression was now one of utmost respect . . . and perhaps even a bit of fear now. He had gotten a good up-close look at how you removed that stirge from him, and it was clear that he was reassessing your standing in the caravan. Hopefully that newborn fear didn't exceed his gratitude for your aid, or perhaps you'd be getting a different sort of whisper between the guards about you.


Fatima

As you clamber back into his carriage to collapse back into the seat across from him, Adivion's scarf slithers across the gap into his own lap. He gives a minor "tsk" of disappointment as he notices several droplets of rust soaked into the fabric of the scarf - leftovers from the stirges' meal of you.

"I hope that my scarf was at least somewhat helpful, although I can see that it was not entirely effective. You may want to see a healer or apothecary when we get into Ravengro - some stirges carry disease."


The professor clucks, murmuring the words to a simple cantrip several times to scour away all of your bloodstains from the scarf. And then after a moment's consideration, Adivion reaches forward again to loosely drape the scarf around your neck.

"Here, why don't you continue to wear my scarf for another day or two, until these bites on your neck are healed. We don't want to give the ignorant yokels in Ravengro any ideas, do we?"


Alexanna, Valerija, & Aaron

Walking towards the back of the caravan with you, the trader almost seems a little disappointed that his alchemist flasks were not put to immediate use.

"Ah, why don't you keep 'em for a rainy day."

Zellara's strange traveling companion remarks, his pet monkey magnanimously handing the flask of alchemist's fire back to Valerija as the trader himself waves off Aaron's own offer to return his unused vial. Zellara is in considerably brighter spirits, smiling slightly at each of you as she walks back at the rear of your little group.

"Well, that was certainly exciting, wasn't it? I'm glad that no one was seriously hurt, but I had forgotten how a little excitement gets the blood singing!"

The fortune teller's expression turns more serious after a moment's thought.

"I would like to offer you something for your aid today, although I'm afraid neither of us has much to give. Ah, but perhaps you would be interested in a Harrow reading? I have some talent in reading the cards, although doing so on top of a moving wagon is less than ideal! My friend and I are intending on setting up camp just outside town, as we're more used to sleeping in our wagon than at an inn at this point. Perhaps you and any of the others traveling with us would be interested in having a reading if you stop by our camp later? We should be here for a few days, at least."

Zellara turns her attention to Aaron after climbing back aboard her wagon and urging the horses forward as the caravan begins moving again.

"Young man - you've been trotting along for this entire trip. Perhaps you would like to join me up here for the last leg of our journey, and rest your feet for a moment?"


(Moving the group on to Ravengro this weekend! Feel free to post any battle aftermath reactions/actions you would like to take as the caravan continues on!)

[Gyrfalcon]

With the threat to the caravan ended, Aaron cleans his knife and sheaths it again before running his hands through his hair to bring it back into a rough sort of order after a stirge tried to land on his head to stab him earlier. All around him, the caravan members are looking around, almost dazed as the sudden violence comes to a halt leaving only the sounds of the pained screams of the horse and labored breathing, and the smell of blood and charred vegetation.

Aaron breaks the silence to demand to the world in general ”What - pardon my Infernal – in the Nine Hells was that? Has Ravengro offended a local druid that they decided to turn bandit and unleash every stirge near town on travelers alongside plant monsters? But that wouldn’t explain the flute music – so a druid and bard working together?”

With the threat of combat ended, his familiar descends from the skies and takes the Very Important Duty of ensuring all the stirges are dead, hopping from body to body and poking them with its claws for reactions. When it comes near Luramin’s brave horse, it hops up on the horses’s shoulder and croons to it, claws combing through its mane gently.

To his fellow travelers, he singles out Elian and Irina for praise.

To Elian
”My thanks once again for your aid with that illusion. I shudder to think how many stirges would have come for me if they hadn’t thought they needed to pass around a thicket. And that sleep spell was finely timed as well. I had a spell of [Grease] ready, but against flying menaces, well, it wouldn’t have been useful.”

To Irina
”My thanks to you as well, Miss Irina.” he says with a respectful nod. He eyes her hands curiously, remembering how she shaped them into claws. ”That was an interesting ability you displayed there. Was that a magical effect? I’ve heard that some magical bloodlines allows for such claws.” he says with interest, no indication of disgust or fear evident.

Later, to Zellaria
The young apprentice accepts the flask of Alchemist’s Fire with a word of thanks to Zellara’s companion, since in Ustlav a rainy day is guaranteed. To the fortune teller’s offer of a Harrow reading, he looks surprised and pleased. ”One thing I’ve missed in Absalom is having my fortune told. I would love such a reading, Miss Zellara, and I’ll be sure to seek you out.”

As she offers a lift, he smiles wanly. The long days of walking (a level of exercise he wasn’t yet used to) combined with the rigors of combat leaving the muscles in his legs screaming for relief. ”I’d be delighted to sit with you, thank you.” he says with gratitude as he pulls himself up onto the driver’s bench with no small effort.