Catching Mauril's whisper, I quickly close my eyes, but fearing that the fiendish opponent may use it against us, I open them again. To my dismay, the flash resulting from Maudril exploding his flaming sphere takes my sight completely and fear grips my heart as I realize I'm blinded.
|
I think by the time of Maudrill's turn the whole party is in line of sight of the demon and flaming sphere apart from Zaghigoth.
Maudrill, if you want to take another action, we can retcon. On the same note, it certainly makes for good roleplaying as it is and I can well imagine a spellcaster using a spell for the first time might get unexpected results, especially when using a flaming sphere as the focus for a pyrotechnics spell! As for the demon, you've all certainly taken it down a peg or two, but it still has some fight left in it. Any more spells like stone call that can get around spell resistance?
I think it was mostly due to the slow nature of the combat making me forget that everybody had moved. However on a side note the rest of Maudrill's spells are all AoE anyways, so he'll just continue slamming the guy with the flaming sphere.
Yekskya races around the corner and just as he is about to add his arrows to the fray, the fireworks explode sending stars dancing through his eyes. "Aaagh! What was that!" The archer holds onto his bow, but immediately brings his fists up to his eyes, trying to clear them of the bright light.
Quinta's first celestial eagle continues to harry the demon, beak and claws darting at its red flesh. It is soon joined by a second bird, just as gloriously golden and just as eager for the kill!
The Bard's voice soars as she continues to chant, the viper coiling around her arms in apparent ecstasy as the magic flows and Quinta sways to and fro, her eyes closed in concentration and her expression rapturous.
Zag locks his gaze on the foul demon ahead, pointing his spear as he walks slowly down the alleyway. "Spirits of sun, shine down to smite this unnatural thing..." Thrusting with his spear, a burst of light explodes near the creature.
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Round 5 continued
Those of you blinded by the radiant flaming sphere find that it was merely a momentary effect. Perhaps the sphere was flaring as a reaction to the creature, or perhaps it was effect due to Maudrill's emberkin nature. In either case, it doesn't slow the demon any as it lays into its opponents with its spear, getting past Krolmnite's and the hooded stranger's defences.
Quinta finishes summoning another eagle from the celestial planes, and it dives on the demon along with the first. Their claws and beaks don't seem able to do much damage against its tough skin, but some attacks do get through. In her melodic voice she continues summoning.
The hooded stranger continues to harry the demon on the far side of the battle. He disregards the spear in his hands as instead he makes a series of lightning moves and kicks. The demon responds with some rapid footwork of its own, dancing out of the way. The stranger doesn't score any hits, but it does serve to distract the demon.
Krolmnite likewise finds himself temporarily blinded, though the effect quickly wears off. Fearing it to be a trick of the demon's, he charges in with a vicious attack, pleased to open a vicious wound.
Initiative
19 - Lani
13 - creature
13 - Freemen
9 - Quinta
9 - Hskoro
9 - Rowena
9 - Krolmnite
9 - Yekskya
5 - Maudrill
3 - Zaghigoth
------
spear
damage
spear
damage
bite
Hskoro flurry
Hskoro flurry
Cat ranged
Reflex
Quinta's voice reaches a crescendo and Ssss slithers down her sleeve as a third golden eagle appears and immediately divebombs the demon. Together, the three eagles harry and peck at the demon, their screeching filling the air.
With the song of summoning finished, Quinta raises her voice in a different song. This is not a magical chant in the scholastic sense, but there is magic in it, a power that fills the other members of the party and the robed stranger, strengthening their arms and willpower, enabling them to strike true!
Shaking off the effects of the flash of light, Yekskya steps forward between Quinta and the building. He quickly begins drawing and firing arrows at the demon.
Krolmnite keeps pushing the attack on the demon, caring not for his damaged blade.
Attack
Damage
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Round 5 continued
Yekskya moves a bit forward in order to get a clean shot of the demon. He puts two arrows to the string, and one of them hits, knocking the demon back. Despite its enchantment, the arrow quickly dissolves on contact with its skin.
Maudrill studies the demon for now, trying to discern how to break its formidable defences.
While he is contemplating, Zaghigoth summons his own magic and calls on the spirit of the land to vanquish this abomination. A second brilliant light erupts around the demon, burning it with holy power and dazzling it. Your foe is finally beginning to look staggered.
Round 6
Lani creeps closer to Krolmnite as the demon takes a step back from its foes, trying to clear its head and the after images from its eyes. It still lashes out with its longspear, opening a wide slice across Krolmnite's forehead.
Quinta completes another summoning spell and a third celestial eagle joins the fray. The silvery-white plumed eagles dive and rend as she begins a new song to buoy everyone up. One of the eagles, larger than the others, pecks feverishly at the demon's head until it manages to gouge the demon in the face. With a flash it disappears, returning to the place from whence it had been summoned.
For a moment, all is silence. The demon is gone, the Freemen are gone and the fires have been put out. The three celestial eagles swoop and circle around Quinta before they too, disappear one by one. Then Lani jolts forward and wraps her arms around Krolmnite. "We're saved! Oh, my heroes! What a terrible, horrible creature! I thought I was going to die." The gnome maiden plants a kiss on the paladin's cheek.
As you pick through the remnants of the fight, the hooded stranger that came to your aid approaches Quinta. Slowly, and you sense a certain amount of reluctance, the figure goes done on one knee before her. He puts a fist to his heart in a salute and addresses you in a raspy voice in an unusual accent reminiscent of Tian. "My lady, my name is Hskoro. As I was summoned by the Goddess, I have travelled long leagues to find you. And having found you, I must pledge my life to your defense. I am yours to command." As the figure speaks, his dark hood falls back, revealing a dark reptilian head with heavy ridges of red scales. Crocodilian eyes look up at the opera singer.
A few minutes later reinforcements arrive, labourers and members of the expedition coming to rescue what they can of the supplies. They are greatly relieved and grateful to see that the warehouse has been spared. They also relate that Freemen have conducted raids and attacks all over Eleder in a general uprising. However, Pathfinder sources indicate that it was instigated by the new leader of the Aspis Consortium, Seoghal Rin-Vorex, a Chelaxian. The Consortium is one of the Pathfinders' main rivals, and your competition to reach the city of Saventh-Yhi first. Likely, the troubles today are a smokescreen, a distraction so that Aspis can launch their own expedition, and to hinder any competitors.
That being the case, Amivor Glaur, the Pathfinders' expedition leader, suggests you grab your gear and prepare to leave immediately!
=======
caster level check
Reflex
attack
damage
attack
Quinta smiles at the beautiful extra-planar birds and raises her hands to them as they wheel overhead. "Thank you," she says as, one by one, they vanish back to their home plane.
Once the birds are gone, however, Quinta frowns in dark contemplation.
"Something fishy is going on around here. That... demon-thing was summoned as well. But by whom, and for what purpose? Notice how it attacked the Freemen, suggesting someone called it to allow our expedition to continue...! I don't quite like the implications of --"
Then Hskoro approaches, kneels before her and reveals his face, and Quinta's words fall silent. Initially, the only sound that manages to escape her lips is a tremulous "Oh!"
Visibly rallying her mental faculties, the Chelaxian Bard shakes herself and carefully extends a hand to Hskoro. "Please stand up. I do not demand people to bow before me, especially not people who have fought on my side. I um, I have... questions. Which goddess commands your faith, and... why send you to me?"
Quinta winces before saying the next thing: "You um, might want to put your hood back up. I do not object to your visage myself, but I would not want the locals to make mistaken assumptions about you and initiate unnecessary violence, sir Hskoro."
"I told you that Smiag has put me here to rescue princesses, my dear. I'm more than happy to do it. Demons, devils, dragons, I'll take them all down! When I get back from my explorations I'll see you again, my Princess!"
The gnome drew his sword yet again when the strange snake/dragon like creature presented himself. "Are you an evil kin of a dragon? My job is to smite them!". The gnome checks him for an evil taint, before deciding the best way to proceed.
Maudrill shakes his head at the gnomish theatrics, and assuming the lizard man is not a threat he decides to scan the area for magic and check for any gear.
Zag walks up towards the group as Krolmnite and Quinta interact with the others and looks at the site of the demon's disappearance, shaking his head. "We have not even set on our path, and already we are vexed by predators from other worlds...this does not bode well for the future, I say. We should take care that we do not become prey..." Glancing over to Hskoro, Zag's eyebrow rises. "Hm.." he says, not wanting to outright offend the man, but also interested in just who and what he is. He moves his eyes from Hskoro to Lani, then back again. "Ah, I am Zaghigoth, or Zag...Stormbile...well, sort of, or, well.." his voice trails off for a moment and he clears his throat. "I am a shaman, a spirit-speaker, a druid, as you will. Friends of my friends are friends to me."
Yekskya puts his bow away and approaches, "I agree with you Zag. We should get moving. But what about this Hskoro? What has your goddess said to you about Quinta?"
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Lani looks up into Krolmnite's eyes. The pendant with the symbol of Smiad is prominent on her chest. "Actually, I was here in Eleder on business and thought I could prevail on you again about this dragon that has been plaguing our mining operations. I know you are leaving soon on an expedition, but you mentioned before that you would be heading east. If that's right, then you'll pass near enough to the mines in the Bandu Hills as well as where I think the dragon's lair must be in the Laughing Jungle. So it wouldn't even be much out of your way, right? I even thought I could travel back with you. You know, safety in numbers!"
You focus your detect evil ability on the newcomer, Hskoro. His appearance certainly is unusual, but he doesn't exude an evil aura.
Maudrill looks around the battle and cast detect magic, hoping to locate any magic items left behind and to piece together what has happened.
Unfortunately you don't find any magical items left by the attackers, though you do collect seven flasks of alchemists fire off the bodies of the Freeman thugs. You also recover three stout clubs (masterwork) and three finely made composite shortbows (masterwork). The area is heavy with a moderate lingering aura of conjuration magic, a summoning spell. Most of your companions carry magical items; Hskoro wears a pair of bracers on his arms that radiate moderate conjuration magic, and Lani Rocklobber has something tucked in her clothes that emits faint abjuration magic.
Hskoro tries to answer your questions, sometimes struggling to find the right words in Common. At Quinta's insistence, he pulls up the hood on his cloak. To the paladin he explains: "I am not dragon, nor even kin of dragons. I am nagaji, from Nagajor. My people serve the naga, an old and powerful race." Looking at the rest of you, he continues. "I am Promised to the Goddess, Nalinivati, the Serpent's Kiss. It was at my monastery that I first received the vision that I must travel to help a favoured one of Nalinivati to vanquish ancient enemies. I have travelled long and far, from Nagajor in Tian Xia to here. Always, I am seeking the favoured one. Always, I am led to travel on."
"But you? I do not understand. As soon as I saw you in the market, I knew it was you I was to protect. Yet you are not naga, or even nagaji! Do you know of Nalinivati? I do not understand, but I obey. With all of my strength I will protect you." With reserve, he accepts introductions from the rest of you.
"That sounds like a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate my bravery! We will be happy to take a minor detour and finish off any troublesome creatures that are bothering your people, my sweet! You are welcome to travel with us. Sounds like a great adventure awaits!"
With a sigh of relief I see the fiend disappear and I shift my focus to the hooded one. When introductions are over, I realize Hskoro took several severe blows from the demon. Poking Zag in the side, I point towards the reptilian man. Zag, looks like our new friend could use some healing, what say you? Can you help him?"
"I have no idea about any of these names you mention," Quinta says, lending Hskoro a hand in getting up. "But... I am grateful and would be happy to learn more. And perhaps I may prove myself worthy of such devotion by doing something for you."
Gently, Quinta puts her hand to Hskoro's bleeding wounds and sings a brief tune:
"Flesh knit, bone caulk and all restore;
May these aches bother you nevermore."
"I have never heard of this Nalinivati either, but our journey looks to be long and hard. Additional companions would be welcome. I think we had better check on our caravan and supplies and make sure this attempt truly failed."
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Hskoro is extremely grateful to Quinta for healing some of his wounds. He is happy to elaborate a bit more on the faith of Nalinivati and her teachings.
Nalinivati, The Serpent's Kiss, Queen of the Nagas, is a deity little known in the Inner Sea but is widely revered among the distant nations of Tian Xia. Her worship is most widespread in the far realm of Nagajor, but sorcerers, nagas, smitten lovers, and snake cults throughout Tian Xia venerate her. It is said that in ages past she was the legendary first queen of Nagajor and gave birth to the varied naga races. Her symbol is a snake coiled in a lotus flower, and she concerns herself with fertility, nagas and the nagaji, snakes and sorcery. Additionally, snakes are considered sacred animals and the urumi is considered a favoured weapon.
A powerful sorceress, Nalinivati is said to have used her own sorcery to ascend to godhood. As a goddess of fertility, she is romantically linked to Daikitsu, Lady of Foxes and goddess of agriculture, craftsmanship, and the kitsune. She is often depicted in art as emerging from an egg, or as guarding a clutch of eggs.
Nagaji were created in ages past as a servitor race to the ancient naga races. While many still act as slaves and servants, they have since developed into a vibrant and proud race. They are reptilian with scaly flesh, with colourful ridges on their skulls and backs. They originate in the distant land of Tian Xia, and are only very rarely found in the nations of the Inner Sea.
Nagaji society places honor, devotion, and dedication above all else. Because of this, some think of nagaji as born slaves, though they would instead remark that loyalty is a virtue.
You have plenty of time to expound on Nalinivati's teachings, as you gather your things, rush through any last preparations, and escape the city to start your expedition to Tazion. You manage to leave without any further trouble from the Freemen; the Eleder militia quickly and brutally moves in to quell the uprising. One day perhaps Sargava will put an end to the practice of slavery, but the uprising did nothing to advance the cause.
With Rowena's experience as a merchant, you are able to make your preparations quickly and move on. Your expedition is a group of nine for now. Yourselves, Lani Rocklobber, Hskoro, and a Mwangi guide named Nkechi, known as The Tempest. Nkechi is an aged mystic devoted to Gozreh, and due to his reputation with the local tribes and his knowledge of the terrain he came highly recommended as a guide. He is certainly knowledgeable, though also grouchy and temperamental, with some signs of true madness.
You will blaze the trail for the rest of the expedition to follow, and if possible hinder the Aspis Consortium expedition that tries to sabotage your own preparations.
The start of the journey is relatively uneventful. It begins with a long trek across the arid, dusty savannah to the city of Kalabuto, far outpost of Sargava. This leg of the trip will cover nearly 270 miles. Along the way, if you help Lani out with her dragon problem, you can make a short detour off the trail about 160 miles into the trip. After Kalabuto you truly start heading into jungle and the unknown.
As you move along, Nkechi keeps his distance at first, agreeing to come along only after he announced that you had accomplished tests set by Gozreh. Odd, since you don't remember there being any challenges to beat. At last, after nearly one hundred days on the trail, Nkechi declares himself satisfied. In the evening, he urges you to sit in a rough circular pattern drawn into the ground about a large fire filled with strong-smelling herbs. Nkechi picks up a wooden mortar filled with paste, and proceeds to draw mystic symbols on your faces as he walks around the circle chanting esoteric words. When finished, he draws out a pouch filled with small roots, eats a piece, and requests that the you all do the same. Do you accept?
The root is a potent hallucinogen known as dromotu. It can be used to put someone into a dreamlike trance
Know. Religion
"Lani my dear, are you going to partake? This might be the only time I ever have this experience, so I think I will undergo Nketchi's test."
Maudrill recalls what he can about the god and recites it very military-like. "Nalinivati, The Serpent's Kiss, Queen of the Nagas, is a deity little known in the Inner Sea but is widely revered among the distant nations of Tian Xia. Her worship is most widespread in the far realm of Nagajor, but sorcerers, nagas, smitten lovers, and snake cults throughout Tian Xia venerate her. It is said that in ages past she was the legendary first queen of Nagajor and gave birth to the varied naga races. Her symbol is a snake coiled in a lotus flower, and she concerns herself with fertility, nagas and the nagaji, snakes and sorcery. Additionally, snakes are considered sacred animals and the urumi is considered a favoured weapon. "
"Nagaji were created in ages past as a servitor race to the ancient naga races. While many still act as slaves and servants, they have since developed into a vibrant and proud race. They are reptilian with scaly flesh, with colourful ridges on their skulls and backs. They originate in the distant land of Tian Xia, and are only very rarely found in the nations of the Inner Sea. Nagaji society places honor, devotion, and dedication above all else. Because of this, some think of nagaji as born slaves, though they would instead remark that loyalty is a virtue."
~The Trip~
Maudrill enjoys the knowledge of the guide, but keeps his thoughts about his professionalism to himself. Finally when Nkechi warms up to them and offers the ritual he sits with the rest and takes part.
Yekskya knows little of religion or herbs so unless warned off by Maudrill, he elects to participate in the ritual.
While I am no stranger to drugs, courtesy of my connections with the shadier parts of society, of which my parents fortunately know nothing, I am not particularly fond of using them. However, when Nkechi offers a piece of the root to me, I accept, not wanting to insult our guide and also feeling a little honored that the strange man seems to think us worthy of partaking in this ritual. A little voice in my mind warns me to be careful though and I only take a very small bite of the root.
As the caravan makes its journey through savannah and jungle, Zag spends a lot of the time meandering off of the path and making random forays into the surrounding wilds. Exploring, investigating, and experiencing such deep wilderness was his primary reason for traveling to this region of the world, and he is happy to resume his spiritual research. He also finds himself somewhat intrigued by Nkechi, perhaps judging him to be a kindred spirit. Zag knows of Gozreh, but has ever preferred to not personify the spirits with physical form, but to revere their raw and primal majesty. Still, he suspects he understands what Nkechi means when the priest mentions divine tests.
When the time comes to taste the herb, Zag sniffs it once or twice, and assumes by the ritualistic nature of the evening that it is some manner of plant that allows commune with the spirits, and does not hesitate in eating of it.
"Sir Hskoro," Quinta says, gently touching the Nagaji's shoulder. "Will you watch over us while we partake of the root, please? I do not mean to exclude you, but I would feel safer doing this if I knew there was someone dependable watching us while we are... away."
Like Rowena, Quinta only takes a small dose of the root. Sssss immediately comes slithering out of her sleeve and assumes a protective position, wrapped around her neck like a choker.
Maudrill stands. "I do not have the time or inclination to be hallucinating, nor do I think it wise to have our minds addled while out here on a mission."
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Lani wrinkles her nose at the suggestion of sampling the mystic's drugs. As you get to know her better on the trip, she often encourages everyone to enjoy themselves and try new experiences. Krolmnite especially, working on the paladin to let down his guard and try different tidbits and even wrapping him in an embrace or the odd peck on the cheek. She and Nkechi, however, don't seem to get on. "That's alright, Krolmnite my dear, I'll pass. But you have fun! Should you like to join me later, I'll be in my tent." She flashes enticing eyes at Krolmnite, before disappearing to her tent at the edge of camp. The gnome miner certainly is changing since Krolmnite first introduced her to you; trying to attract his attention, you think as she has started wearing make-up and changing her attire. And is that perfume?
Nkechi certainly seems to rouse strong emotions in everyone. He can be abrasive a lot of the time, and he has little patience for what he sees as outsiders marauding across lands that once belonged solely to the Mwangi. The only person he's really taken an interest in so far is Zaghigoth, particularly when he heard the name Stormbile mentioned. He keeps watching the half-orc shrewdly.
At Quinta's suggestion, Hskoro declines the root. He seems to be swithering anyway. He settles back near to the singer and the others taking part in the ceremony, and when Sssss slithers out of hiding, he gives the serpent a nod, as if they have an understanding.
Taking some of the root, you find its taste bitter and chalk-like. You soon fall into deep, dreamlike trance. You feel your consciousness lightening and shrugging off your physical body like a cloak. You rise up, drifting across the night sky like smoke. You sense, but cannot see, your companions. Travelling along at height, you can see the whole of the Mwangi Expanse spread out below, savannah and hills and jungle.
After a time, the sky turns red and you reform into being. However, instead of returning to your own bodies, you find yourself in the forms of strange, translucent spirit animals. Krolmnite materializes as a wild Garundi donkey known as an onager. Maudrill slinks into the gathering as a great monitor lizard with brilliant silver scales. Yekskya buzzes around the group as a giant wasp. You expect Rowena to pounce into view as some type of feline, befitting her nickname, and are somewhat surprised when she takes form as a springbok. Quinta meanwhile lopes into view as a magnificently mottled howler monkey. Zaghigoth lumbers into view, largest of all, a young-looking terror lizard walking on four legs with a spiky thumb on its forelegs, an iguanadon.
You hear a chuckle and turn towards Nkechi's voice. He's taken the form of a giant crab, the size of a wolf. He waves his pincers in the air, in the direction of Zaghigoth. "I knew it! Ha ha! A savage and primal heart. You are your father's son! Ha ha, your father took the form of a terror lizard as well, when years ago we sat around a similar campfire and shared a dreaming."
Not all of Nkechi's revelations concern Zaghigoth's heritage. "Long have I been pondering your quest, and seeking a meaning. The ruins of a forgotten city you seek, lost in myth and legend. Many rivals seek the same, it is difficult to divine who will be first to claim the prize. Beware! I see darkness over the city, storm clouds gather ominously on the horizon."
About halfway through Nkechi's divinations, a roiling misty shape curls towards you. As it approaches it coalesces into a giant serpent and immediately leaps to the attack! With hoots, bleats and honks you scatter in the face of this threat, while Nkechi clatters about, calling you to kill the serpent. "Attack! Attack! You must not fear this beast. It represents your resolve, and your struggle against the obstacles before you."
Oddly, the markings on the serpent are strangely reminiscent of Ieana, when you finally encountered her in snakefolk form in the underground temple on Smuggler's Shiv.
[b] Initiative
20 - Maudrill
19 - Krolmnite
18 - Dream Serpent
17 - Zaghigoth
11 - Rowena
7 - Quinta
5 - Yekskya
4 - Nkechi
Krolmnite - Onager
LG Medium Humanoid (polymorphed)
Init +0; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception
------
AC 12, touch 10, flat-footed 12 (+0 Dex, +2 natural)
HP 54
Saves Fort +11, Ref +4, Will +7
------
Speed 40 feet
Melee 2 hooves +7 (1d3+3)
------
Str 16, Dex 11, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 17
BA +4; CMB +7; CMD 17 (21 vs trip)
[Beast Shape II, +2 size bonus to Str, +2 natural armor bonus to AC]
Maudrill - Silver scaled monitor lizard
NG Medium Outsider (polymorphed)
Init +6; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +0
------
AC 13, touch 11, flat-footed 12 (+1 Dex, +2 natural)
HP 24
Saves Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +5
-----
Speed 30 feet, swim 30 feet
Melee bite +3 (1d8+1)
Str 13, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 21, Wis 10, Cha 10
BA +2; CMB +3 (+7 grapple); CMD 14 (18 vs trip)
Poison (Ex) - Bite - injury; save Fort DC 12; onset 1 minute; frequency 1/hour for 6 hours; effect 1d2 Dexterity damage; cure 1 save
[Beast Shape II, +1 size bonus to Str, +2 natural armor bonus to AC]
Quinta - howler monkey
NG Tiny Humanoid (polymorphed)
Init +4; Senses low-light vision
------
AC 17, touch 16, flat-footed 13 (+4 Dex, +2 size, +1 natural)
HP 30
Saves Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +7
------
Speed 30 feet, climb 30 feet
Melee bite +1 (1d3-1)
------
Str 9, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18
BA +1; CMB -1; CMD 13
[Beast Shape II, +4 size bonus to Dex, -2 penalty to Str, +1 natural armor bonus, +2 size bonus to AC]
Rowena - springbok antelope
CG Small Humanoid (polymorphed)
Init +10; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7
-------
AC 17, touch 16, flat-footed 12 (+5 Dex, +1 natural, +1 size)
HP 28
Saves Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +1
------
Speed 60 feet
Melee gore +5 (1d4+1)
Special Attacks powerful charge (gore; 1d4+3)
------
Str 12, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 11, Cha 10
BA +3; CMB +3; CMD 18 (22 vs trip)
[Beast Shape II, +2 size bonus to Dex, +1 natural armor bonus to AC, -1 size adjustment]
Yekskya - giant wasp
N Large humanoid (polymorphed)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60ft; Perception +9
------
AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+4 Dex, +4 natural, -1 size)
HP 49
Saves Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3
------
Speed 20 feet, fly 60 feet (good)
Melee sting +7 (1d8+6 plus poison)
------
Str 18, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 7, Wis 14, Cha 7
BA +4; CMB +9; CMD 23
Poison (Ex) Sting - injury; save Fort DC 16; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d2 Dexterity damage; cure 1 save.
[Beast Shape II, +4 size bonus to Str, -2 penalty to Dex, +4 natural armor bonus to AC, -1 size penalty]
Zaghigoth - young iguanadon
LN Large Humanoid (polymorphed)
Init +0; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +8
------
AC 13, touch 9, flat-footed 13 (Dex +0, +4 natural, -1 size)
HP 45
Saves Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +7
------
Speed 30 feet
Melee 2 claws +6 (1d6+4)
------
Str 18, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 11
BA +3; CMB +8; CMD 18 (22 vs trip)
Thumb Spikes (Ex) An iguanodon’s thumb spikes can inflict
grievous wounds—they deal triple damage on a successful
critical hit.
[Beast Shape II, +4 size bonus to Str, -2 penalty to Dex, +4 natural armor bonus to AC, -1 size penalty]
=======
Krolmnite
Maudrill
Quinta
Rowena
Yekskya
snake init
Nkechi init
Krolm init
Maudrill init
Quinta init
Rowena init
Yeks init
Zag init
Krolmnite clomps forward, attacking the misty serpent with a mighty hoof! "I'd much rather be in Lani's tent right now," he declares with a mighty bleat.
Attack
Damage
The giant wasp flies past the serpent, circling around to the far side and attempting to sting it from the back.
Finding myself in the body of a springbok, I find it oddly befitting me, jumping and climbing as I like to do. But when the misty serpent attacks, I am none too pleased to be without my weapons, until I remember the horns on my head. Doing my bestial form honor, I jump and leap around the snake in an effort to get into a flanking position.
Zag adjusts swiftly to being in an animal form, already having such a strong connection to beasts and spirits. Nevertheless, he is awed by the sheer volume of the situation, inspired by such powerful mysticism. When the crab-Nkechi acknowledges the druid's father, however, his reptilian form twists to regard the priest. "My father?" he manages to say, quite taken aback by this news. He obviously wants to press the issue, but when the serpent reveals itself, Zag understands what must be done, and sets his personal inquiries aside. Lumbering forward, he can feel the presence of the beast within, and breaks into a charge, lashing out with a thumb-spiked claw.
Claw: (charge, flanking with Yekskya if possible)
Damage:
-2 AC for 1 round.
"I really must say, I am surprised," Quinta starts to sing, the music wrapping itself around everyone like a pair of warm, supportive arms,
"My spirit form should be a monkey, confound my eyes!
But be I monkey or be I maid,
By music's glory heroes you'll be made!"
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Maudrill: From your perspective, those partaking look completely relaxed and flaked out around the countryside. Every so often, a limb twitches, as if they are having a particularly strenuous dream.
Sitting nearby, leafing through your spellbook, you become aware that Hskoro is sitting opposite yourself, watching you. He is utterly still, and his eyes do not blink. It is a little disconcerting.
Across the camp, you can hear Lani in her tent. She seems to be talking softly to herself.
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Into the Spirit Realms
Round 1
With a mighty bleat Krolmnite clomps forward, aiming to strike the dream serpent with a hoof. It's a solid hit, causing the snake's hooded head to shrink back. As he closes, the snake whips about and bites Krolmnite.
The snake rears back then with blinding speed its fangs encircle Krolmnite again.. It shakes the onager about, and as the fangs pierce his body powerful poison courses through his veins.
Zaghigoth lumbers forward in dinosaur form, thumb spikes criss-crossing as they lay into the serpent and slash away scales left and right.
In the form of a springbok, Rowena dances about the melee before charging in, flanking the serpent with Krolmnite and butting the serpent with her sharp horns.
As a furry howler monkey, Quinta begins singing to bolster her allies, her beautiful singing contrasting with the misty savannah background.
Yekskya buzzes around overhead, and then dives in to attack. Stabbing with your stinger, each stab brings terrible, jagged wounds.
Nkechi scuttles along the edge of the combat, eye stalks moving here and there.
Initiative
19 - Krolmnite
18 - Dream Serpent
17 - Zaghigoth
11 - Rowena
7 - Quinta
5 - Yekskya
4 - Nkechi
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serpent bite
damage
confirm crit
crit damage
poison
aoo
damage
poison
Fort save
Maudrill looks at the others, and seeing that they're still breathing and appear calm he shrugs. At the continuous stare Maudrill gives Hskoro a Need something? look. If there's no reaction he goes over and snaps his fingers in front of the drugged up wild man.
Fort save
Fort save
The donkey tries to shake off the poison bite, and rears up with both hooves for an attack.
Attack
Damage
Attack
Damage
Quinta briefly stops her song, the supportive effect remaining in place for now while she lances the serpent with an evocation. A harsh shriek sets up inside whatever serves the monster for a head -- a shriek only it can hear!
Yekskya the wasp continues to hover in place on the far side of the serpent, maneuvering his stinger around for another poke at the beast.
Zag continues to savage the the dream serpent with primal focus, lashing out with spiked claws.
Claw: (flanking, performance)
Damage:
Confirm:
Damage:
Claw:
Damage:
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Maudrill
Maudrill stares back at the nagaji, with a challenging glare. Eventually Hskoro blinks and cocks his head curiously. "Forgive me, I've just never seen one such as yourself before. You are not human, I think. Do you have demon blood? I've fought oni that were pale and with a metallic sheen like yourself. You also carry yourself like a soldier, or perhaps a former soldier. Where did you serve?"
After, Maudrill gets up and walks over to Nkechi. He waves his hand and snaps his fingers in front of the face of the old mystic....
The Spirit Realms
Round 2
Krolmnite tries to shrug off the poison dulling his senses. He rears up, and two powerful hooves flick out to deal the snake powerful punches.
The beleaguered dream serpent seems much less certain, now that it is surrounded on all sides by angry animals. Choosing the biggest target, it lunges at Zaghigoth, but misses as the iguanadon twists out of the way. The druid-dinosaur responds by stabbing up with one of its sharp thumb-spikes, driving it up under the jaw. The giant viper spits and thrashes, wounded terribly.
With Rowena hovering nearby, Quinta emits a sonic scream that hits the serpent. It convulses under the sonic onslaught, and blood starts streaming from its mouth and other orifices. It's coiled to strike, but wavering.
The serpent is teetering, and Yekskya the wasp deals a final blow with a powerful sting that pins its head to the ground. Even as he pumps poison into the puncture, he feels the serpent dying and moments later it fades away.
With that you feel a pulling, as if someone had tied a cord around your middle, pulling you back to your bodies. Just as Maudrill waves his hand in front of Nkechi's face you all surface from your trance. Nkechi's eyes open and he looks up and scowls at the aasimar. It takes a few minutes to recover from the vision. It takes just moments to confirm that you all had the same encounter. It felt so real! So real in fact, you find it difficult to believe that you didn't really turn into an assortment of exotic animals, or that you took any injuries. You all feel fine, apart from Krolmnite who has a terrible headache.
After the trance, Nkechi seems to have found new respect for you and insists on aiding you in your quest, apart from just keeping you on the right trail. He believes that whatever threat you all face is a threat to Gozreh as well, or at least to what Gozreh holds sacred, and that Gozreh desires that he help you. He also thinks that the vision you all shared was symbolic. He recounts the legend of the dead god Ydersius, and feels that you killing the serpent was like the decapitation of Ydersius in legend. He then turns in to his tent, as if that's enough to be said on the subject.
The rest of the evening passes without incident. In the morning though, those on guard point out a strange creature hovering near the camp. It is a young iguanadon, smaller than Zaghigoth appeared in your vision, but already its thumb-spikes look wickedly sharp. You look around, but don't find its parents nearby. You wonder, was it summoned by Zaghigoth's communing with nature, or was it conjured by your vision?
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serpent
serpent Fort
"I would imagine of this whole group you would be one who would refrain from staring." Maudrill says this dryly, but a small grin reveals that he's not that upset by it; he is in fact a rare race. "Quite to the contrary, I have the divine blood of celestials in me. Peri-blood to be specific." He breaths in slowly as he recalls his military days. "Yes. I spent a few years in the Chelaxian military."
Before realizing that everyone suffered the same nightmare, the gnome woke up a start. "Ow, my head. Anyone else have a strange dreaming. Dumb snake bit me...still sort of hurts where it got me!". After finding out this was a shared experience, Krolmnite listened with rapt attention to Nketchi's interpretation. "I'm glad to help with the slaying of an evil God, in any form!"
After the vision has ended and Nkechi has told the story of Ydersius, Quinta unsteadily makes her way over to Hskoro.
"I would speak with you," is all she says at first. "In private."
Once the two of them are a little ways away from the others, Quinta speaks with the Nagaji in a lowered tone of voice: "I am seeing some unpleasant parallels. Nalinivati is a goddess of sorcery and serpents. Ydersius is - or was - the deity of serpents. Is there any connection between the two of them?"