ROUND 3
Seeing the big fighter take brutal hits, Morkeleb calls out
ODRIC!! Step back, don't be a fool!!
He pulls out a potion of Cure LIght Wounds and moves closer to the fray.
Pour it down my bloody gullet when I fall wizard!
Round 3
Ferox takes aim again and lets loose another blunt arrow at the creature.
Attack:
Damage:
Ferox's arrow flies wide right. Odric again slices the creature. It's nearly ribbons now. With no thought, it lashes back at Odric. The fighter nimbly dodges just in the nick of time before Grym's blade comes over the top...
Gryms battle cry splits the air as Odric ducks aside from the golems attack. The ranger brings his sword in high and dagger in low to sever another piece holding the pile of filth together.
Svord
Damage
Dagger
Damage
Grym's svord attack falls short, but the low dagger slash lands true.
Gaius
Gaius throws his alchemists fire...
Ranged Touch:
But it misses, going:
The bottle hits whatever is in the south eastern corner of the room and harms no one.
Sandor slam the beast with his shield trying to get it's attention then hacks at it with the axe
Axe flanking defensive:
Damage:
With a swing that surely would have undone the creature, Sandor swings and misses.
Morkeleb!
ROUND 3
action as above--drawing potion, moving toward the fight to help Odric if possible
If so, here it is, map. Gaius should be 5' SW. This likely matters, so let's make sure.
Indeed, the flask strikes Grym and catches the Ranger in severe friendly fire! The beast also takes some of the splash, it's barely holding together.
Round 4
Seeing the chaos erupting from the ill aimed throw from Gaius, Ferox takes aim at the beast to eliminate it as a factor.
Attack:
Damage:
Oops. No, that's not a map link....however-
With a final arrow, Ferox deals the final blow. The arcane magics holding the pieces together unravels and the monster is no more. Grym continues to burn from the alchemist's fire ( damage) before it finally goes out.
XP: 200 Each
Gaius looks down sheepishly as he approaches Grym with the wand.
Cure Light Wounds:
DM: Is there anything else of interest in this room? Can you describe it?
Odric looks to his friends for healing magic...
This looks like it was once a storage room, but everything has been smashed to pieces. In some type of macabre irony, it looks like the severed leg on the ground by the monster is Shoanti. It doesn't take much to deduce that it used it like a club for much of the destruction.
Other than that, there is little of interest in the room. Cursory inspection of the creature shows that the remaining parts of poor Gaekhen were used to make the golem...
Gaius goes to Odric with the wand.
Cure Light Wounds:
Cure Light Wounds:
Cure Light Wounds:
Here's the rest of our missing Shoanti. No Necromancer, though. (looking to Grym)Perhaps we should backtrack and see if we can find his trail?
Anyone else injured?
Anyone else injured?
HPs 15/26, yes you bastard
Strange. However, since the notes we found indicated "bases," it seems likely that rolth isn't here. I should check that library and see if there are any other clues as to the locations of these other bases. Then, we can rest and recoup, and strike at him directly if we can find him--for surely we've earned his enmity this day.
Do we ...er... have all the, um, *chunks* required? Should we double check that we aren't missing any pieces?
Gaius goes to Odric with the wand.
Cure Light Wounds:1d8+1
Cure Light Wounds:1d8+1
Cure Light Wounds:1d8+1Here's the rest of our missing Shoanti. No Necromancer, though. (looking to Grym)Perhaps we should backtrack and see if we can find his trail?
Anyone else injured?
Thanks Gaius, I feel much better now. Odric flexes his limbs gingerly at first, then with increasing vigor. Before long he is in full-fledged warm up mode, complete with grunts and sharp, barking exclamations.
Odric begins an intense running in place routine and a sheen of sweat quickly springs out on his face and neck. The moisture unfortunately rekindles some of the smouldering odors that had become dormant after the battle. The stench of the carrion golem covers most of it, but when the warrior drops prone suddenly and leaps to his feet again, the resulting draft washes outward from him. Energy and intensity describe Odric's attitude, physicality and odor equally.
Assuming he gets some of the extra needed healing Grym is ready to go.
He helps pick up and collect the rest of the Shoanti parts they need. As the group goes back though the tunnels and passages, the ranger conentrates on searching for Rolth's trail.
Can Grym pick up anything that isn't the albinos, the golem, or the parties own trampled tracks?
Track an additional +2 if Rolth is a human
I will assist Grym in the tracking.
track If the +2 comes from favored enemy I get the same bonus.
Sandor now realizes that Morkelb is wearing the robes of the mage we fought earlier and gives him a concerned but wary look Yes Morkelb I think the library is a good idea...
I think that is all of the parts, so hopefully we can prevent this war. Though I would love to stay and fight this Rolth when we find him, I would say that we should get back to rest and reflect on our actions taken today. Of course that should be done over a few stout dwarven ales of course this is after a visit to the library
And definitely take enough rest so that we can regain our strength...and then some! nudge nudge, wink wink.
You do indeed have all the ...parts.
Grym, there's no way to pick up a solid trail in this area. It would take a legendary tracker to hope to discern the various trails.
Let's away ere break of day.
We should bring the corpse to the appropriate place, I think it was FM Kroft's office. I do not think a jumble of parts is appropriate, so perhaps we should invest in a simple wooden coffin or something respectful in the Shoanti culture. This is a lousy situation and dumping a pile of mutilated parts at Thousand Bones' feet won't help matters.
Odric makes his way back and tries to locate an appropriate container. He pays for the coffin or Shoanti equivalent (provided it is less that 15 GP), deposits the parts within and heads for Kroft and Thousand Bones.
Knowledge: Religion (Shoanti) for appropriate box
Knowledge: Local for a coffin store
Grym knew the track attempt would be about impossible, but if nothing else it was good practice for him and Sandor to try to piece together some of the sign.
The ranger thinks buying a coffin is an excellent idea to present the Shoanti body. Thorgrym offers to pay for Odrics food and drink that evening if he is going to pay for the coffin himself.
You can make Knowledge checks untrained only if the DC is 10 (or lower). You have no idea the religious practices of the Shoanti. Someone could also try Knowledge (Local)
Ferox wracks his brain, and a little divine Guidance, for what he may know about Shoanti.
Knowledge(local):
It does count, but it doesn't work IN the Dead Warrens. It represents the normal 1d4 hour use of the Gather Information use of Diplomacy.
Ferox, even without your contact, you know tha tthe Shoanti burn their dead on funeral pyres.
Let's make something resonably good--or at least bring a shred of dignity--out of this hell hole. Someone help me.
Morkeleb first removes the Robe of Bones with obvious relief. Seeing Sandor's scowl and guessing its origin, Morkeleb smiles slightly. Worry not, Sandor--I'm not "falling into darkness!" I was assuming that my normal actions would prove ineffective, and this robe seemed to hold the best course of action I could have taken. Had the situation been different and you all not been surrounding the thing, I *would* have used the robe, but as it stood there was no guarantee the undead summoned would have refrained from attacking you all.
Now, bring those body parts to the work table, and I'll see what I can do. If anyone here is willing to assist in this most unpleasant job, I'll take all the help I can get!
The wizard then arranges the body parts on the table, and using what is available in the workroom, does his best to reattach the parts in as natural a way as possible. It will obviously be a hack-job, but it will also just as obviously be better than dumping charnell at the father's feet.
Hmmm . . . perhaps a shroud or wrap of some kind? At least his body is as intact as we can make it.
He wipes his hands on the cleanest thing he can find, takes a cleansing breath, and gets back to business.
Now, give me some time in the library. Mabye there are other clues as to where Rolth might be.
I'll take 20 to throughly search the library. I'm looking primarily for clues to Rolth's other hideouts, btu also for books/lots of value to myself, or to others in the group--or lots we could sell if it's knowledge we don't care much about.
I'll take a Heal check for the reattachment.
The library doesn't lead to much. It's mostly academic research. The only thing "new" is a single sentence in a journal:
"The subject showed poor resistance to pain. I need a better source of human cadavers. I could also simply extend my research into species beyond me own as well. Perhaps I can build a golem of multiple species.
Gaius sees to Grym's wounds using the wand.
Cure Light Wounds:
Cure Light Wounds:
and to Ferox:
Cure Light Wounds:
That should take care of everyone.
DM, what about those two passages on either side of the map. They look like natural passages going east and west.
Unless those provide a lead, Gaius is ready to head back to the surface and return the remains. Then he needs a night's rest.
I'll take a Heal check for the reattachment.
Gaius uses his knowledge of humanoid anatomy (Knowledge: Local) to assist anyone putting the body back together.
Knowledge: Local
I hate the die roller.
Aah thanks Gaius. I know things can happen and lady luck is a fickle b&*#$, but please avoid setting me on fire. I much prefer cuts or bludgeoning...
I'll take a Heal check for the reattachment.
This task is not my forte. I understand the concepts of anatomy, but I'm not skilled. If anyone would help, or even take the lead and let me assist, we could do a better job of it.
The library doesn't lead to much. It's mostly academic research. The only thing "new" is a single sentence in a journal:
"The subject showed poor resistance to pain. I need a better source of human cadavers. I could also simply extend my research into species beyond me own as well. Perhaps I can build a golem of multiple species.
Is there any monetary value in the books/research? Is there actually *evil* stuff here, or is it "just knowledge?" Anything Morkeleb might find useful--alchemy, etc?
Hmm assuming Rolth is still at large, I doubt he's going to give up his grim research. We should try to hunt him down if we can.
Assuming there isn't antying of either knowledge, or monetary, value, Morkeleb closes the last book. Sandor, there's nothing here that is of particular use to anyone, either good or evil. If it makes you feel better to indulge your vengeance and burn this . . . the thought of burning books chafes the wizard, but he's not actively fighting it since he's gotten what he can out of it.
I believe Ferox has some medical training.
There's nothing "evil" in the books. While such books do exist, they're not found here.
The East and West passages meander off into a labrynthe of tunnels. You find no leads after a pass in each.
Then let's pack it in. I don't believe stitching the body back together is strictly necessary, but it may be appreciated.
Ferox does a fair job stitching the body back together(Take 10-> 16), and it looks much more dignified to you are you wrap in in a shroud made from materials found in the Warrens.
The party emerges from the Dead Warrens, the mission is a success. you make your way back to the Citadel where Kroft is waiting. You are immediately let in, a testament to your increasing reputation. Indeed the Field Marshal herself seems relieved when you arrive.
"Gentlemen, the city owes you a true debt for your service today. I've arranged for an additional reward of 50 Platinum Crowns.* I will deal with Thousand Bones, but rest assured, you have saved this beleaguered city from a war it can ill afford. Rest and recooperate my friends. Take the reward, move into better lodgings, enjoy life for a while. I'm guessing you'll hear from me in 2-3 weeks time, as the trial of the King's assassin draws to a close. thank you. Truly.
*
Commander, if you don't mind, I'd like to visit with Trinia before I leave.
Keep her talking...
Before we get to that, do you mean 50 Crowns on top of what we were promised before, or perhaps you mean 50 Crowns each?
Sense Motive as she responds:
Would that I could master Inquisitor. But the Queen's new security force, the "Grey Maidens" have her under lock and key. In the interest of security, matters of the crown fall under their purview. Matters of the city and her borders are still mine" she laments with a barely audible ...for now under her breath.
Ever the entrepreneur my good Gaius, she adds with a genuine smile. [b]This is over and above the agreed upon reward.
Thorgrym is very excited to finally have the time to complete Buchos training.
Ferox takes the 150 Crowns from Cressida.
Thank you, Field Marshall. We were happy to help. I am a little dismayed to hear of Trinia's current circumstances. You said that you would be able to magically determine her innocence once you had her in custody. Did she assassinate the King? Were you able to ascertain her guilt before turning her over to the Grey Maidens?
Would that I could master Inquisitor. But the Queen's new security force, the "Grey Maidens" have her under lock and key. In the interest of security, matters of the crown fall under their purview. Matters of the city and her borders are still mine" she laments with a barely audible ...for now under her breath.
Ever the entrepreneur my good Gaius, she adds with a genuine smile. This is over and above the agreed upon reward.
** spoiler omitted **
How generous! I can't thank you enough for this--the funds will go a long way towards easing some pains. I sincerely hope you went through no great pains yourself in setting this up.
DM: What are the Grey Maidens? Knowledge: Local