DM NomadSage's Jade Regent - The Hungry Storm (Inactive)

Game Master nomadicc

Maeve takes another deep breath, trying to keep calm. "Parity, try to imagine something for me. You've spent your life working a great spell, such that the only way you can die is if a person with a certain quality, using two very specific items, is the only. way you can die. Now, the nature of the spell means that you can't scry on these things directly. So, when you lose them after spending a generation trying to eradicate the threat, I can only imagine you're going to be nervous."

"Then, for just a brief moment, you manage to get the sense that one of the items has been found by a person who can use it against you, under circumstances that you thought had been taken care of long ago. And a month later, the other one is stolen out from under the agent you sent to keep it safe - an agent who controlled all of your eyes on that particular area. So now you know someone who can kill you is, for whatever reason, actively looking to do so. With the resources of an entire empire at your disposal, are you really telling me that you aren't going to throw every wizard and priest with the least bit of divination magic at trying to find some clue?"

"As for how I can tell that the magic Katiyana was trying to work was enormous, think about what she said. She was trying to change the weather on a literal global scale in order to summon what amounts to a deity The Oni are nature spirits, however corrupted they may have become. To ask them to miss that is to ask you to not pay attention to me punching you in the face - you're going to hear the sound of the air moving alone whether you want to or not. It's not happening."

"I think your caution is admirable. I think that the timeline of events that you've assumed will happen is also a bit much. Just because they are nature spirits doesn't mean they can sense someone changing the weather thousands of miles away. Doesn't mean they didn't either ... but to assume an absolute like they MUST know we're coming through the pass is faulty logic. They MAY know we're coming through the pass. They MAY also have very well caught in their scrying that Koya here reveres Desna and because the tunnel was made for the Lucky B***h's people, MAY assume that we go through it. My point is, you're leaping to conclusions about creatures whose powers we can only guess at and whose culture and ultimately their decision-making process are completely foreign to ours. I know you've read a lot of books. Good for you. I've fought a lot ... doesn't make me an expert on war, however. We should choose the path that's best for our ability, not some nightmare-driven fantasy of yours based on some tenuous pieces of supposition. That's all."

His voice gets low and cold, "And whether you're being clever or just brainless, do not discuss punching me in the face as a metaphor again. I don't appreciate the subtlety of your threat."

Ameiko looks at Maeve, with an eyebrow raised. "What... have you been reading? Your point about the scrying is valid, and we know they're looking for us. But that whole first bit, about the 'great spell'... you lost me."

Maeve sighs, closing her eyes the way she does when she's really trying to analyze the situation. "It's about establishing mindset. While the concept of 'Destiny' can be. . . fluid, here. . . the most obvious interpretation of what we're seeing is that someone in our group, most likely you, is the person who can, but not will, rule Minkai. I'm just not sure how it all fits together yet. I was hoping to take some time to learn more in Ordu-Aganhei. The Five Storms went to a lot of trouble to not just attack your family, but it seems specifically to get the Seal. That's the key. . . but. . ."

Malnival shakes his head. "I think your taking great liberties with your description unless you have found some ancient text I am not familiar with. Scrying an area as vast as this is nearly impossible with out an army of spell casters or a hoard of crystal balls. It is tiring and time consuming. Especially when you can not see your target. Now if they could then they would have tracked down our lovely inn keeper long ago and ended her threat."

Koya speaks up, "I know a bit of divination magic, and what Malnival says is true. We are sought by the Five Storms and need to assume they can track us magically, but have no idea of their capabilities. If nothing else, I think we all agree in the need to be cautious."

"I read about the Gates years and years ago, in Magnimar if I recall. I certainly never expected to use that knowledge... an obscure reference to such a faraway place. Parity's epithets aside, I believe Desna guided me to that knowledge, years ago. Now, I understand why."

"Now, I don't know what's inside the Gates, or even where it is exactly, but the assumption that a necropolis is filled with hostile undead is just giving too much credence to fairy tales." *Cough-metagaming-cough*

Koya holds up her hands. "I leave the decision to you, who have led us this far. I'm happy either way." She concludes with a wink and a smile.

"Divination magic, even the least of it, can be useful," Maeve also can't help but point out. "Especially if you have time and lots of it, and know enough to ask the right questions. Trying to watch every inch of the High Ice isn't remotely possible. Finding out where interesting things might happen up here, especially when there's so little of it, and watching those? Koya, I think that's even within your abilities, although probably only just."

Heng attempts to follow the conversation, but fails to comprehend Maeve's wild assertions and rapid fire delivery. He frowns a little at Parity's disrespectful tone and finally is moved naturally to support Koya though he still dislikes the idea of walking through a necropolis.

"Tata, of course what you say makes sense. I will put my trust in your wisdom and Desna's power. I vote that we take the clear path through the tunnel."

"Thank you, Heng." Maeve takes a moment to visibly calm herself with a sigh. "Okay, I got carried away for a moment. Backing up..."

"The first thing is that the Five Storms know, beyond any doubt, that we were alive and in excellent shape two months ago. That was the price for opening the box without taking the time and steps to cover our tracks or lay out any deception."

"The second thing is that they have every reason to believe we're still alive, absent any report to the contrary."

"The third is that they have limited opportunities to intercept us before we enter more inhabited areas."

"The fourth is just the nature of a pass. Everything I've read about the Wall of Heaven makes it out to be incredibly treacherous. There's only one pass that a caravan this size can use. That makes that bit of real estate valuable, but during the winter it's unlikely to be watched too closely by Hon-la. It's also going to be a perfect choke point. And it's also, to almost everyone's knowledge, the only possibility for travel between the Crown and the Dragon Empires that doesn't involve turning around."

"That's why the pass isn't safe - it would be...not trivial, but certainly well within their abilities for the Five Storms to have sent oni to take over whatever defenses are nominally placed on it during the winter. They believe they know that, if we're coming, we have to go through there at some point."

"The tunnel, on the other hand, is obscure. It's unlikely to have a watch on it, and if there is one it will be comparatively trivial. Guarding the tunnels as well as the pass against us just isn't economical."

"And in case you're wondering why I didn't bring this up before if I thought there was a problem, I was trying to work out how to solve it. But I wasn't coming up with much, and only one thing that was remotely practical. Even that had flaws Sandru could drive the caravan through, all wagons side-by-side."

Harlan wanders into camp, hands full with cheeses (goat!) and packages of meat (more goat!).

"What'd I miss?"

He casually puts the armful in the wagon before turning back to the conversation.

"Did we decide when we're leaving? I have more supplies on the way. Is there anything else people want me to buy? What do you think of my shiny new breastplate?"

"Well, I can't say its the best idea I've ever heard, but it may do for us in this pinch. I also have a good idea of where the northern entrance to these Gates is at... never been there myself, but I do recall a few locals mentioning it." Ulf pulls up his charts and starts plotting a course.

Repairs, supplies, anything else in Ul-Angorn, or ready to move on?

Ready. All aboard the necropolis choo-choo ; )

choo-choo?

Ding ding mother "f"ers.

CHOO! *eats everything in sight*

...and if anyone aside from me gets that reference I will be both impressed and somewhat scared.

pika-CHOO!

Going for a little more obscure than that. Good guess though.

No clue, here

Grumbling, Parity packs his things and follows.

I got nothing.

Harlan checks over the caravan and makes sure everything is where it should be.

Let me make sure we're fully updated then we should be ready to go.

EDIT: Yeah, we're gtg.

I'm around, just busy weekend... I'll have something up later.

Repaired, rested and resupplied, you set out from Ul-Angorn with a renewed energy. Even just the few days break was effective, but moreover getting off the High Ice and back onto the actual Path of Aganhei brings a renewed sense of purpose. Ulf, back amid familiar territory, confidently guides the caravan through the Ruun Uvas, circling the great lake, and towards the Ovorikheer Pass, the rocky bridge leading to the great tundra beyond.

The weather is clear, but as the week passes, a dull overcast covers the sky. Now, without even starlight, only the faintest luminescence off the snow keeps the world from falling completely dark. Ulf pays it little mind, and keeps you on track with his expertise and memory.

*

Baruun's Breath
Date: 9 Abadius 4712

The twenty-mile Ovorikheer Pass cuts through an area of heavy geothermal activity, which Ulf dubs 'Baruun's Breath'. As you near the base of the pass, you can see low-hanging clouds of mist surrounding the hot springs, and the red glow of magma fissures reflects off the low clouds, giving the area a hellish countenance.

Security: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

The 'breath' title becomes clear as you ascend, and nauseous sulfurous fumes accompany the cloying mists. Using scouts and timing the wind, Ulf guides you through the worst of it without too much trouble. By the time you reach the top of the pass, everyone's sickness has passed.

The Wood of Winter's Deadly Roar
Date: 10 Abadius 4712

On the far side of Ovorikheer Pass, you enter a strange forest of trees completely enshrouded in ice. It is silent, but for the noise of crackling that accompanies the wind. Ulf calls it Domagalki Forest, or 'The Wood of Winter's Deadly Roar.'

Security: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Security (Koya's Reroll): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

The first sign of trouble is the scream of one of your drivers, as a horse-sized furry white spider leaps from the trees and crashes into the wagon. Chaos ensues as a dozen more spiders charge silently from the trees. You move to assist, but movement above the treetops catches your eye. Trees shatter and explode in sprays of ice shards as a gargantuan spider, standing taller than many of the trees, moves towards the caravan.

I'll run the caravan combat against the smaller spiders as you face the big one... actions?

Maeve quickly snaps to attention and lets her magic start flowing.

Standard to cast Good Hope, Move to Inspire Courage, Swift for Crane Style

Round 1
HP: 81/81
AC: 21
Vanguard Blast 6/6, Swift Spell 3/3, Spell Block 6/6
Spells: 1st: 5/5, 2nd: 5/5, 3rd: 3/3
Status:

"By Pharasma's skirts, that sounds monstrously huge!"

Parity swifts a keen edge and then casts Belker's Claws moving toward the creature.

Round 1 Init 12

"Yeah, it's pretty big."

The halfling concentrates through his sudden fear of being bitten and blesses the group while they are still together.

Casting Bless. If anybody wants Air Walk let me know and it'll happen next turn.

Change belkers to see invisible this round.

"Uh, big mother trucking spider. Why did it have to be a big mother trucking spider?"

Haste on party.

"By Pharasma's skirts, that sounds monstrously huge!"

"Taller than the trees, Parity. Aim high."

Round 1
AC:22, hp:66/66, Ki 9/9, Stun 8/8, Fire 8/8, dragon style, invisible

Heng disappears from view though a couple footprints appear in the old snow moving forward.

activate shozoku invisibility, moving up 50 for flanking positioning, dragon stance.

Round One
Initiative Order: Heng [24], Malnival [15], Harlan [12], Maeve, Spider [9], Parity [3]

Caravan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Spiders: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Your friends in the caravan rally to the defense, enough to counter the spiders' surprise and get them off the wagons.

Heng sprints forward, turning invisible on the move. Malnival, Harlan and Maeve cast buffing spells. The gargantuan spider continues forward, splintering more trees in its path. The thick trees slow it down, despite its long legs. As Parity rushes towards it, it stabs out with one of the forelegs, while he's still a good twenty feet away. He tries to dodge, but the tree-like leg slams him aside.

Spider AoO vs Parity: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25; Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (1, 6) + 12 = 19

It threatens out to 20 ft. Actions for R2?

Round 2
Status: AC: 15, HP: 63/63, Hasted, Good Hope, Inspire Courage, Crane Style

Maeve ducks forward, dodging and weaving about before striking at the spider.

Swift to Arcane Strike, Power Attacking, move up using Acrobatics to avoid AoO, and attack

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Round 2
AC:22, hp:66/66, Ki 9/9, Stun 8/8, Fire 8/8, dragon style, invisible

Still unseen, Heng circles around through the forest.

Stealth, if needed 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

I'm assuming the forest is difficult terrain? I'll just invisibly move to flanking position.

+20 Stealth for invis, Heng

Round 2
HP: 62/81
AC: 21
Vanguard Blast 6/6, Swift Spell 1/3, Spell Block 6/6
Spells: 1st: 5/5, 2nd: 3/5, 3rd: 2/3
Status: keen edge, belker's claws

Parity steps in (5' if necessary) swift casting, defensively, mirror image 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Defensive Cast: 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 4 + 3 = 21

He takes a full complement of attacks (no arcane strike).

EDIT, actually he'll attack first and then cast the spell for what it's worth

Malnival moves forward to attack the monster.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Empower sword: +1 keen

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Haste attack:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29Possible Crit
Confirm crit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Crit Damage:1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Round 2

Harlan takes aim with his crossbow and attempts to annoy the creature.

Crossbow Bless: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 261d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Crossbow Bless: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 81d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Crossbow Bless Haste: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 181d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

@ Heng: Not really, though I count it as such for the big spider.

Round Two
Initiative Order: Heng [24], Malnival [15], Harlan [12], Maeve, Spider [9], Parity [3]

Caravan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17; Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 8 = 10
Spiders: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22; Damage: 8d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 4, 3, 4, 4, 1) = 24

The melee with the spiders continues to rage. You hear Sandru's cry of dismay as one of the wagons it tipped over, spilling supplies across the snow. Still, Ulf and Shalelu team up to take down a spider, and Kelda's raging attack knocks two away from a fallen driver.

Heng stealthily circles the massive spider, moving through the trees with ease. It makes no reaction to him sneaking up behind, until he gets close. With speed that belies its bulk, the spider spins and snaps its mandibles at Heng, pinpointing his exact position.

Spider AoO vs Heng: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28; Damage: 3d6 + 18 ⇒ (2, 2, 6) + 18 = 28 plus poison (DC 24 Fort save or take 1d6 ⇒ 2 Str damage)

Using its distraction with Heng, Malnival rushes forward, slashing his scimitar across one of its legs and drawing some ichorous blood. Maeve follows, ducking and weaving in her path, but it takes no notice. She slams it hard below the thorax, feeling a satisfying crunch.

Harlan fires his crossbow rapidly, easily hitting the massive target, but only one bolt seems to penetrate its furry skin. Parity attacks also, managing to hack through with one of his speedy pattern of slashes.

The spider spins again, biting at Malnival, but he dives out of the way. The venomous mandibles clack inches behind his back.

Spider vs Malnival: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19 {miss}

Maeve, how did you get +14? I must be missing something... I only get to about +11

Actions for R3?

I believe glamers still affect vermin so as Parity noted, that stealth was a 48.

Tremorsense... =)

DOH!

Fort save 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Round 3
AC:24/22, hp:38/66, Ki 8/9, Stun 8/8, Fire 7/8, dragon style, inspired
ki to defense

Unseen, but not unfelt. Heng learns something new about spiders the hard way. He appears in mid-air with a fierce flying dragon kick at the monstrous arachnid's abdomen.

Charging fire foot 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 34
damage 1d10 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13 +1d6 ⇒ 2 fire

Round 2
Status: AC: 19, HP: 63/63, Hasted, Good Hope, Inspire Courage, Crane Style, Fighting Defensively

Once up close enough to the beast to hurt it, Maeve switches tacks, weaving about the various harry limbs with a series of twisting, snapping strkes towards vital spots...well, as best as she can spot on a giant spider.

Arcane Strike, then Flurry of Blows while switching to fighting defensively:

Attack 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Damage 1: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Attack 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Damage 2: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Attack H: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Damage H: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Attack 3: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage 3: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Round 3
HP: 62/81
AC: 22
Vanguard Blast 6/6, Swift Spell 1/3, Spell Block 6/6
Spells: 1st: 5/5, 2nd: 3/5, 3rd: 2/3
Status: keen edge, see invisibility, mirror image (4), haste, good hope, inspire courage

Parity takes another round of blows, arcane striking.

EDIT: +2 for flanking if Heng moves in

Status: Haste, Inspired, Bless

Full attack:

1st Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 13 + 2 = 34
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 2 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 2 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 = 11

2nd Atack:1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15

Round 3

"I don't like spiders!"

Harlan limps 5' closer and fires again.

Precise Shot but not Improved.

Crossbow Bless Inspire: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 211d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6
Crossbow Bless Inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 181d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4
Crossbow Bless Inspire Haste: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 281d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 2 = 7

Round Three
Initiative Order: Heng [24], Malnival [15], Harlan [12], Maeve, Spider [9], Parity [3]

Caravan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22; Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 3) + 8 = 12
Spiders: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25; Damage: 8d4 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 3, 4, 3, 3, 2) = 23

Two spiders seem to retreat, but leap back from the trees, attacking one of the horses. Ameiko organizes a counter-attack, driving them away but only for a moment. Koya unleashes a healing burst over your allies, mounts and drivers included.

Against the gargantuan spider, Heng leaps in and slams it with a flaming boot. Malnival tears in with a trio of strikes, cutting deeper and deeper into its underside. Harlan continues to rapid fire his crossbow, feathering it with two more bolts. It begins to turn and writhe, in obvious pain.

Maeve lays in, weaving around its legs in a dancing flurry. Two of her hits crack hard on its legs, until it can no longer hold its bulk. Suddenly, the massive spider lurches and crashes down. You narrowly avoid being crushed beneath it. Now on its back and incapacitated, you finish it off easily.

Seeing their great ally taken down so quickly, the other spiders quickly retreat into the icy woods. Besides the cries of the wounded, the forest returns to its eerie silence.

End of Combat!

Maeve spares a moment to grin like a loon before she turns to try to take stock of the wounded and get the wagons righted.

Harlan will also move about the injured and heal them before seeing to the wagons.

"Ulf, have you ever heard of a spider this big? Why would it attack us? Does it have a lair? Maybe there are supplies from other caravans in it's lair, just like the dragon hoard? Or should be just push on?"

"Did someone say hoard?" Malnival grins at Harlan as he cleans the blade of his scimitar. "I think that is a fabulouse idea! Something that large has to have left a trail even Sandu can follow. Just don't let him know there may be gold at the end, even with haste we wouldn't be able to keep up!"

"No," Ulf shakes his head to Harlan's question. "Well, that is... I don't think so. I knew we might see a snow spider or two. They're known to infest this forest, but I've never heard of one so large. And the others are still nearby, watching us. I think it best we move on as quickly as possible."

[ooc]Knowledge Dingeoneering; 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Kowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Knowlig (Dungoneering) - 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

What are we knowledging here?