DM Voice's Osirion Expedition (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Setesh follows Tarik down, leery of letting any one person wander off by themselves...

Back down we go.

All is quiet for a few minutes, though eventually you spy Grundin and Hodar emerge from the mouth of the mine. Squinting as they gaze up toward you "Hail, we had not expected you back so soon... you say that the orcs are gone?"

As you explain, Grundin's eyes grow wide when he sees that the bulk of what was taken has been returned. "This is a noble act that you have undertaken friends. We are humbled."

Setesh smiles warmly.

"It was no trouble at all. I just hope that you will be able to rebuild, or move on, successfully. These goods should help with that."

Grundin nods grimly "Aye, the back of our clan is broken - but the arrival of the trade caravan should soon swell our ranks again." running a hand through his hair "We are not quick to abandon the places that are stained by our blood."

Any further interaction with the Dwarves, or should we resume the chase for the vault of Hetshepsu?

Setesh nods to Grundin.

"I would not dream of trying to convince you to do otherwise. I wish you the best of luck in rebuilding."

Is there any further information that they can provide regarding the crystal sphere? ;-) Otherwise, I am happy to continue our quest.

On the crystal sphere.... Jaru could try channeling into it...

Jaru plays around with the mysterious crystal while others gab.

Use Magic Device 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

As Jaru channels positive energy into the sphere, it rises from his hands and begins to glow with a radiant light. The crystal then begins a slow orbit around Jaru's head casting white light.

When you channel into it, the sphere will glow like a torch and orbit your head like an ioun stone.
You can then expend the stored channel as a swift action, which causes the light to wink out and the sphere to 'drop' back into your hand.

Noor stays with the camels, and is glad to hear that the Dwarves still remain and will make a new start.

Jaru watches the lit crystal orbit his head. "Hey, look at this. Have you ever seen anything like it?"

when the stored channel is released is it an actual burst of positive energy or just dismissed?

When you release the channel it is a positive burst as though you had released it.

Setesh shakes his head.

"No, I have not encountered something like this before..."

He then smiles.

"However, I am fairly certain that you should be the one to claim it!"

FYI - I'm just waiting on someone pulling out the wayfinder and taking a bearing before moving things on...

Setesh retrieves the Wayfinder, and takes a bearing...

;-)

It is dark, Setesh is eaten by a Grue... sorry - wrong game :P

Taking a bearing from the wayfinder, the party takes its leave of the dwarves and continues on with their thanks. The going is steady but monotonous as it is sand as far as the eye can see.

After another week's travel Bas'rac pauses during the midday rest and looks to the East.

perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

"What do you see, Bas'rac?"

"Danger" Bas'rac responds flatly before he bursts into action and starts packing up the camp.

He'd be more verbose, but I'm giving you guys the chance to discern it off your own back.

Survival -> 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Sirocco!...Sand Storm...we must not be caught in the open."

Noor starts aiding Bas'rac while looking around for any possible shelter

Survival -> 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Aha! A test of survival! Brave heroes certainly must have many dangers to face in the course of their adventures." Tarik continues to stare at the incoming sandstorm, oblivious for a moment before he notices the others scrambling about madly. "What can I do?!"

Setesh nods.

"Very well, we should prepare for the onslaught."

He then moves around, doing his best to assist Bas'rac.

There does not seem to be any hard shelter that you could reach in time, it is sand in all directions. Bas'rac is focusing initially on securing all loose items and bringing down the tent. He has retrieved some heavy canvas sheeting from the pack camel, along with some trenching tools.

Your choices:
1. Describe what you do in preparation for the storm, along with any appropriate skill checks you think prudent.
2. Re-state that you assist Bas'rac in his preparations, and I'll rule it as an act another on his check.

Jaru sighs, "There are wizard spells that shield one from inclement weather, but all I have is a spell that removes me from notice and I don't think the sand cares. Canvas will have to do."

The wolf fur coat is surprisingly cool within, and seems to be able to block out the elements handily. Whilst being worn it gives the effect of endure elements, and can be huddled under to avoid inclement weather conditions.

*cough* - looks around suspiciously....

oh, does it have a wolf head hoodie to filter the air also?

Not quite that pimped out, but you might get two or three of you under it if you bellowed it out like a blanket?

damn, i didn't realize it was that BIG.

Jaru pauses, "On the other hand, this magical coat may protect a couple of us if we huddle together. Just watch your claws, Setesh."

My bad, was going for this size but floor length.

Realising that the last thing the party wants to do is to lose the camels, Setesh assists Bas'rac.

Jaru pauses, "On the other hand, this magical coat may protect a couple of us if we huddle together. Just watch your claws, Setesh."

Setesh grins.

"Don't worry; I would not dream of damaging your new fur coat..."

Noor will take a shovel from Basrac and then will grow big, watching the shovel grow in size with her. 1d100 ⇒ 37 no arcane failure on Enlarge Person

She then set to scooping out a depression that might shelter the group.

Noor and Bas'rac working together manage to excavate a slight hollow where the camel and yourselves might be concealed. Leading the beasts into the depression, Bas'rac waits until you are situated - then covers the group with the heavy canvas, securing it in place with the magical pitons you have seen earlier. Hopefully this should provide some protection against the scouring of the sand.

The howling of the wind steadily grows as the sandstorm races toward your position...

Jaru and Setesh are under the wolf cloak - there is room for one more.
Who is only under the tarp?
Can I get some skill rolls, Survival / Handle Animal / etc - anything that you think would help keep the camel calm and ride out the fury of the storm...

Handle Animal -> 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Survival -> 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

And Noor yells into the face of the storm before ducking under cover. And gets a mouthful of sand for her trouble.
Intimidate -> 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Anyone else want to chime in with an assist? - or are you relying on the Living Monolith?

Jaru isn't all too interested in animals, but perhaps a bless will embolden them.

"May the protective energies of magic quench our fears and enhearten the simple beasts."

Survival (Assist): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10.

Ooo! Just made it :-)

The vestiges of sun reaching around the fringes of the canvas gradually fade as the sky fills with howling sand. As the howling miasma of fleshstripping grit swirls above, you remain relatively safe in your hollow. The camel grow restless after a few minutes, but Noor is able to soothe / threaten them into placid submission once more.

After ten interminably long minutes, the noise begins to die down and light can be seen once more.

Setesh pokes his head out from under the folds of the cloak, and turns to Bas'rac.

"Is it safe to continue?"

Bas'rac pauses a few moments before nodding "Aye, it seems past us. Best take a look and see."

"Very well."

Setesh then pokes his head out from under the tarp, to assess the damage...

The canvas has a healthy layer of sand atop it so when Setesh disturbs the edge, he gets a face full of grit. Pushing further out you see that the immediate area appears safe, though the position of dunes is slightly altered by the maelstrom's effect.

Setesh gives a sigh of relief when he sees that the party is not in too much trouble.

"Right then. Let's dig ourselves out, and get this show on the road!"

He then proceeds to do his best to do just that!

Setesh and Bas'rac begin the task of unmiring the camel and belongings from their sandy hollow.

Tarik spits out a mouthful of sand as he climbs out of the depression. Dusting his clothes off, he sighs heavily in relief. "I think I've had my fill of deadly weather for the day. I really hope we can get to our next destination without incident", Tarik says scanning the horizon.

Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Setesh nods to Tarik.

"Agreed. a peaceful day's journey would be pleasant. Misfortune seems to dog our steps..."

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25.

He then groans.

"Speaking of which, we appear to have some company... I can see some rather large scorpion stingers poking out of the sand over there..."

For the record, I am not complaining about all of the 'misfortune' that we encounter; I think it entirely appropriate, given that we appear to have annoyed the followers of Lamashtu ;-)

You hear a chittering sound emanate from where the scorpion are, before two break off and circle around to each flank of the group.

One to your North, one to East and one to West - all roughly 40ft from your position.
MAP to come tonight ;) - but until then, please take Round 1 prep actions.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Tarik, Scorpions, Jaru, Setesh / Basrac, Noor

ooh, a map :)

Jaru considers. "Some most unwelcome company. Well, since this is becoming a party perhaps I'll invite another." Jaru moves to the center of the group and begins casting a summoning.

Tarik sighs in annoyance as the scorpions move in. Drawing his blade, he sets himself to strike the moment they are within reach.

Move action to draw sword, standard action to ready an action to attack a scorpion once it's within reach.
Attack for Readied Action:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage w/Two Hands:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Round 1:

25/25 hp, AC 19/11/18, CMD 19, Mutagen(Strength).

Setesh downs his mutagen, causing his body to warp and twist in all-too familiar ways...

Round 1

arcane failure 20% -> 1d100 ⇒ 38

Noor thinks about the Scorpion stingers and that additional protection would be welcome.

Cast Shield; new AC 20

Bas'rac looks to the camel, seeing them wide-eyed in terror at the thought of the scorpions attacking. He turns his attention to them, driving the magical piton that ends their rope into the sand before trying to force them to crouch.

The scorpions flash across the sand, rushing forward eagerly to attack the most exposed party members. The attacks are well timed, with each scorpion hitting the party lines in unison. The creatures forsake the use of their claws - instead the venomous tails whip out in search of flesh...
Noor Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24 for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Tarik Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21 for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Setesh Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21 for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Ouch! - everybody make a DC 17 Fort save or lose 1d2 points of Strength...

Tarik's blade slices out at the scorpion attacking him, but skitters off an angular section of the beast's carapace and does no damage.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Tarik, Scorpions, Jaru, Setesh / Basrac, Noor

MAP I have taken a few liberties with positioning, but hopefully they are acceptable to you?