GM AbyssDancer's 'Ire of the Storm'

Game Master AbyssDancer

-Posted with Wayfinder

Chest Thumper had little desire to tangle with the thing that made those footprints. Sure, Francis would win in a battle with it, but even his fearsome brother would have trouble and the half-orc might get seriously injured in the process. He had to wonder if that was the problem the
sheriff mentioned though. It could certainly be problematic.

He hurried back into town, keeping an eye out behind him just in case the thing decided to come back and was in the mood for man flesh.

It wasn't until he was within the wall that he relaxed and slowed down, examining the leaves he'd gathered as he moved toward the smithy.

He was going to be a little early, but that was fine with him.

He noticed Pious following him and turned to speak.

Your god is fine, but I don't want to follow him. The wind and rain and trees and water are all I need. I won't try to convince you to think what I think, you don't try to convince me to think what you think, he explained.

It seemed like every village, town and trading outpost he wandered in to included someone who wanted to show him the path to eternal happiness. As though he didn't have too much trouble finding current happiness...

Action 2
Aza Thought for a moment. "Not the w-worst place I'v-ve slept, to be sure. B-but a good night's sleep is nothing to scoff-ff at. It b-beats the b-boat, for sure." "As y-you like," Aza smiled amicably in response to the half elf's question about accompanying her, and nodded as she trotted about town. The soured words and faces that were directed Iradyiel's way caused her to frown. That wasn't right. The man hadn't been anything other than pleasant to her so far. She tried her best to call out those that were actively antagonistic, but the number started to overwhelm her, and after a bit of exploring, she sighed. "All r-right, I am going to... g-go inside somewhere." A building that was advertised as Quentin's Prognostications had caught her eye, and she moved to see what it might contain.

...sorry.

Retcon

Pious spent the morning wandering the town, never too far from the half-orc, more often than not close enough to hear him speak...

Pious tried to follow the man he had come to know as Chest Thumper but, as the later slipped into dense forest on the edge of town, he gave up his chase.

"Chase not divinity, for the divine is within"

Looking around he found himself in front of a large building that seemed to be devoted to Abadar. Shouting from within caught his curiosity and he made to enter.

Chest Thumper looked to Francis. The ape simply stared at the man and gave a questioning hoot. The half-orc spoke quietly to his "brother" but only got a firmer grunt in return. He shrugged then.

Yes. I will aid you, he said to the man he assumed was a blacksmith.

Despite the steel great axe held in a rope sling across his back, Chest Thumper actually found little use for metal goods. In fact, he found them somewhat restrictive when it came to communing with nature.

But touching the metal surely wouldn't be a problem. Iron came from nature, after all.

Despite his heritage, he wasn't overly strong so the half elf may be less than impressed by his capacity to help but he would lift and carry until the work was done or he thought he had to go to make his appointment at the Stone House.

Francis remained in the street. In fact, he sat down in the middle of the street and checked himself for parasites while watching those passing by.

in the morning
'That's right she wasn't feeling well on the boat.' Iradyiel nods his head in understanding and walks with his friend.

'So many angry people, I knew my dad's tribe were fierce warriors, how they must frighten these people so.' As the locals scowl and call names, Iradyiel ignores them, keeping his hands away from his weapons so as not to frighten them further.

'I appreciate Aza's support, but I don't want them to hate her because of me.' As Aza mentions that she is going inside Iradyiel nods. "That is a good idea." He then nods toward the town, and lowers his voice. "Do not be too frustrated with them. Reputations are earned. My Fathers tribe is fierce and warlike." He taps the knobkerrie club that his father had made him, "And I chose to walk in here carrying their tribal weapons. I am partially responsible due to my own inconsideration. So I will just have to prove to them that I am trustworthy. That's what my father did, he had friends in every town he went."

At the shop
Waiting to open the door as Aza reaches to knock, he hears the voice call "Come in" Iradyiel. Taking a step back he looks from the door to Aza, raising an eyebrow. As he does so the floorboards squeak again, and Iradyiel calms as Aza points out the squeaking boards.

'Spirits...Newcomers...sea crossing...wouldn't everyone...wealth? Not really, of course that's why most folks come here.' Iradyiel looks from the hooded figure to Aza, shrugging his shoulders. "I have a couple of silvers I can spare, but I would rather hear..." He smiles as he pulls two silvers out of his pouch setting them in the proffered hand, "But you should know what I would rather hear. Shouldn't you. I assume that will cover for both of us." He then pulls out a chair and offers it to Aza.

Chest Thumper didn't mind the work at all, especially once he knew how simple it was. He took a deep gulp of the water offered. While he generally preferred nature truly clean water was a rarity there. Cool, clear water was a real treat.

He listened thoughtfully as the smith relayed his history. He toyed with one of his tusk thoughtfully. Linnorm Kings...Linnorm Kings...?

He brightened abruptly and actually smiled, though the expression is not entirely welcoming or warm on his face. His heavy brow lowered and his eyes squinted down as he showed his tusks.

You know snow? Do you have any with you? I've always wanted to see snow.

He looked out toward the direction of the dock. The townsfolk have not been welcoming to us. The sheriff has not been kind, either, but I am meeting with her soon. I will mention that she owes you money.

He grunted at the man's last question and squatted down on his haunches. I'm not entirely sure. I came because I heard there were hidden ruins here and that there might be work for a guide. Francis and I like cities so we came to see this one.

By the earnest way he talked, it was clear that he actually believed this place merited the label of "city."

Out of town with limited wifi. I'll be back tomorrow.

Great RP guys!

Once Jamba and Pious post, I'll post the next recap.

Aza, Iradyiel, Chest Thumper, feel free to make your way to the Stone Hall. There'll be good food awaiting you there already paid for, so you can compare stories whilst you wait for the other two plus the Sheriff to arrive.

Chest Thumper valued the opinion of a native, even if he did not agree with him. Actually, he did not disagree with him, yet. His experience with a couple of the townsfolk did not mean that everyone in the town was like them. Vethorn's assessment of the Sheriff seems pretty spot on. Hard but straight was a very accurate description of his own experience with her.

He couldn't hide his disappointment over the lack of snow, though. Perhaps he would get to see some when he left Pridon's Hearth.

He thanked the smith for his time and information then took his leave. He headed straight for the Stone Hall from there. Francis took his time in following, eyeing the smith suspiciously before lazily getting to his feet and knuckles and ambling down the street.

Neither he nor Chest Thumper seemed to notice or care about the odd, sometimes fearful looks the ape got.

They both did notice the food waiting for them there. They would start eating right off, though Chest Thumper would greet their companions as they arrived. At least when he was not shoving food into his mouth with his bare hands.

"Oh for f**k's sake, you useless **** shaft of horse's ****. Why do I have to do every *** thing myself?" For the moment, the Countinghouse of Abadar echoed not to the chants of prayer, but to some most unholy swearing.

Curious, Pious entered the banking hall of the grand marble building. A venerable female cleric, bent and frail of body but clearly possessing a powerful voice and extensive range of explicit profanities, mercilessly berated a pair of acolytes, who appeared to be taking the verbal barrage with barely-concealed mirth. One of them had spilled a tray of coppers all over the floor, the other is trying (but failing) to evade attention at the rear of the hall.

"You've got hands like a **** fist of thumbs! Oh when Vanicus returns you'll be *** sorry! Now pick up every last penny, or I'll gut you like a fish and wear your **** entrails for a hat!" With this, she aims a half-hearted blow at the scrabbling acolyte with her walking stick, and turns to greet the new arrival with fearsomely ugly grimace of welcome; "Greetings stranger, to the Hall Of Abadar. I am Banker Baldra Sifreth. What the **** can I do for you?"

Pious' boots tap loudly on the flagstones as he strode over to the banker, a few coins scatter.

"My name is Janus Shepherd venerable one. I was drawn by the sound of pious faith. You keep a tight ship Baldra Sifreth. 'Where idle hands make doorways for the deranged" The living god would approve. Who is this Vanicus? Who would distribute justice where you cannot. Justice is the duty of all, not the privilege of the few.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"My flock are plentiful enough Baldra, the best sheep are those that think they are the wolves after all. Ay, I'm just of the Kaava Cutter, we had quite a welcome here. Ruffian drunks on the docks followed by the local guard, if they deserve the name, what is your opinion of the lawmen yourself?

Once the old crank has answered and the conversation dies down Pious takes his leave.

"Good to meet pious folk. Piety is the food of the soul all who are pioous find their way to truth But as you say, I am needed elsewhere."

Pious makes his way over to the meeting...

The Stone Hall
The first stone building in Pridon’s Hearth—beating the Temple of Abadar by several weeks—the Stone Hall operates as the town’s favourite tavern and indeed only inn. People from all over the colony come to the Stone Hall to talk and drink, or to hold semi-formal gatherings. Count Servius Narsus’s newly freed halfling slaves constructed the building, scaling the main hall to accommodate an average human’s stature while crafting several offshoot rooms more appropriate for their size. Today it is jointly controlled by the Whithermoot and Longroad families.

Entering the dining hall from the heat outside, the party instantly welcomed the shade and the cooler air, and this pleasure was only enhanced by the alluring waft of cooking from the kitchen. The hall was largely empty, most folk being busy about their livelihoods. A serving boy ushered them to a table by the far wall set for six, and already laden with a hearty fare of crusty bread, spicy scrambled eggs, roasted dika seeds, and fried taro.

A man introduces himself as Andri Longroad, and says that Sheriff Adeala had ordered the table for the group, before having to leave to deal with a man found dead at the Narsus Estate. He said that the Sheriff is expected soon, and the party should ”eat up whilst it’s still hot!”

Feel free to exchange information whilst eating and waiting for Jamba and the Sheriff. I’ll post the next recap in 24 to 48 hours.

Jamba, you're up!

I'll post tonight.

It’s interesting, I didn’t think about Iradyiel sounding ‘sarcastic’ I wanted him to sound more like he didn’t want to give away any surprises. Looking back at it I can see how it was seen as sarcastic though. No biggie, on we go :-)

at the diviners
’I wonder why the scowl.’ As he sits down beside Aza, Iradyiel, looked a little confused as the diviner scowls and offers his warning. Excitement and adventure…near death…we must be careful…Truly favored? How odd, I always did think I was very fortunate but never favored.’ Iradyiel, seeing the man obviously worn out, shakes his head as he gets up. ”That was wonderful, but I don’t know that we can come back tomorrow. I think we’re going to be busy, anyway I don’t have enough silver to do this very often, but thank you, it was fun!”

He moves to the door quickly, wanting to give Aza a little privacy in case she had question. He smiles, holding the door as they leave. ”Shall we go to the Stone Hall?”

As the step off porch on their way to the hall, Iradyiel comments, ”That was a little strange, I don’t know that I’m searching for excitement and adventure, certainly not death. But I do want to see new places I wonder if that’s what he meant.” Shrugging his shoulders, as they move on.

At the Stone Hall
’What a cute little building… and so cool inside, that’s a nice touch.’ Admiring the building from without and within, Iradyiel Nods to the man who informs them of the sheriffs delay, ”Thank you Master Longroad.”

Moving to the table he pulls out a chair for Aza. He then reaches for a piece of crusty bread and sits down with the other new arrivals. Looking from Aza to the others ’I don’t if I should talk about the diviner, would Aza think it was too personal to share?’ Shrugging his shoulders and smiling he places some spiced eggs, roasted seeds and fried taro on his plate and asks. ”So what did everyone see?”

Jamba walked into the shop and looked around. He turned tithe female handling as she spoke. "Nah. Jamba not be needin' nothin'. Jus lookin' around. Nice shop ya have here." He checked out a few of the potions, picking them up and holding them to the natural light in the room. "Jamba be lookin' fah a job wid a expedition. Oh...dis be a nice one." He pointed out a clear green potion. "What be dis?"

Chest Thumper was enjoying the bread and taro and seeds though Francis didn't touch the bread and ate a lot of the eggs. Both of them likely got curious if not disgusted looks as they ate as Chest Thumper's table manners were only marginally better than his brother's.

There's something dangerous in the jungle, Chest Thumper said, to which Francis grunted.

Chest Thumper laughed, a hearty guffaw that sent specks of food flying. Right, right...there's always something dangerous in the jungle, he agreed with Francis' assessment.

I bet this thing is what made the dead man that the sheriff is investigating dead, though. And if it's what she wants us to handle, we should think hard about taking the job, he continued before shoving another piece of bread in his mouth.

Oh, also there's no snow in town.

Turn five is here !

Jamba is the last to arrive in the Stone Hall, followed ten minutes later by the Sheriff. Feel free to post conversation before the Sheriff arrives if you wish, as well as after.

Turn 005 - Exploring Pridon's Hearth

Questions, actions?

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
turn 5 actions 1&2
The roasted dika seeds are very similar to what dad would cook, but the fried taro is a little different, I wonder what kind of fat or oil they used.’ Iradyeil sat down at the table, sampling all of the dishes. Then eating second of the dika seeds and scrambled eggs. ’Dad would serve the seeds with fresh cat meat, the eggs aren’t bad though.’

’Odd, that looks like blood on the sheriffs trousers.’ As the sheriff walks in, Iradyiel, looking up from his eggs, stands for a moment until the sheriff is seated, then he retakes his chair. Shaking his head ‘no’ when she asks about their rapier wielding companion, he swallows his eggs. ’The Shack behind the blacksmiths, was dry and my hammock was comfortable, thank you for asking.”

Listening carefully Iradiel, continues eating As the sheriff explains their situation. Wiping his mouth off and setting down his napkin, he asks. ”That seems like a very reasonable request, out of curiosity is that one hundred gold pieces per person or for all of us to share?” Looking from her to the others. ’not that it matters I would help for free.’ looking back at the sheriff he smiles.

Neither Chest Thumper nor Francis were particularly concerned about time so neither of them noticed that the sheriff arrived late. Nor did either of them stop eating as she spoke.

Were he a greedier man, Chest Thumper might have tried to extort more from the woman, but he generally had little use for more gold than he could carry on him at one time.

There was a matter of payment that he needed to discuss, though.

"The smith, Vethorn was friendly to me. He said to tell you about a missing payment, though. Marcus Pandellion owes him 95 gold. I guess if he's having trouble he can't pay, though. Chest Thumper chimed in.

He turned to Francis and they had a quiet conversation that was mostly Chest Thumper talking in very low tones and the ape ignoring him and eating until finally turning to the half-orc with a snarl and hoot.

"Ok, ok, finish eating, you don't care, fine, no need to act like you have ants in your fur," the half-orc says to the ape before turning back to the sheriff.

"We'll help."

Turn 005: Action 1

Having made his grace Pious eats well. His manners, that otherwise would have stood out as disgusting, pale into insignificance next to Chest Thumper and Francis.

Most of the small group are quiet as they eat, pious is more that happy to let that stand.

Turn 005: Action 2

Know: Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

What does the tattoo mean to Pious?

Sheriff Praet appears to be open and honest in answering the party's questions.

She clarifies her offer of pay, "The town can offer an advance of 100 gold crowns between you, in case you need to get any equipment before you go, and 50 crowns each when you return with news of the Fort and the garrison. I think that's fair, but it's all I can offer. If you need equipping, you should try Heri, Vethorn, or the Emporium. They'll offer you fair prices.".

News of Vethorn's unpaid shipment of arms only serves to increase her visible unease about the garrison's silence. "I'm less worried about a delayed payment than the possibility of a missing cache of steel weaponry. The local tribes, boggarts, lizardmen and the Song'o halflings use either stone or wood weapons, We can't have steel arms unaccounted for. You need watch out for the missing arms on the way to the Fort."

Pious, you recognise the tattoo as belonging to a Paladin order of Iomedae, goddess of honour and justice. another time I should put such knowledge in a spoiler post rather than delaying play by you having to ask me. Sorry!

Any other questions? Any purchases you want to make in town? Will you leave today or tomorrow? Jamba / Aza - anything from you?

'I think we should be able to help.' Iradyiel looks around the party members and nods his head in agreement with Chest Thumper. 'Master Thumper is correct, we can help."

He then shrugs his shoulders and addresses the others, "I have everything my dad said I would need, so believe I'm kitted out for jungle exploration." Lowering his head a little he continues. "Well, except for bugs." He looks up seeming embarrassed. "Not that I want to have bugs, cause I don't. But I don't have anyway to 'kill' bugs." He looks back at his plate. Then continues. "I hate bugs, especially when they swarm. My dad said if I leave them alone they will leave me alone. But I'd rather not take any chances." He looks back up at the team. "If any of you can chase off swarms, that would be great. But if not could we get something that will get rid of them. I really do hate the idea of being eaten by bugs." Shrugging and smiling, "Or any other type of vermin for that matter."

Chest Thumper sat up straighter when Iradyiel used the title "master" in regards to him and gave a tusky grin. He listened attentively to the Half-Elf's concerns then grunted thoughtfully.

"We should go to the Emporium and buy some fire in a bottle. It is good for killing lots of bugs at once. And I saw tracks from a troll this morning. If we run into it, fire will be good for fighting it, too," he says.

"You know, bugs will probably eat you after you die. Unless you have your body curmatated. Fire in a bottle would be good for that too. Do you want us to burn your body if you die?"

It occurred to Chest Thumper that it was important to know what these people wanted done with their mortal remains should they die. It was a distinct possibility in the jungle.

"You can leave my body where it falls."

"Wait what? A troll in the forest?" Master Thumper's throwaway comment catches the Sheriff midway through a mouthful of eggs. After recovering, she carefully quizzes him about the tracks he found, and their location by the Narsus Estate. "This is why I cannot go to the Fort myself. One of the Count's servants was found dead this morning; well, most of him was found. Another servant has been missing for two weeks, and may have fallen victim to the same fate. A troll!" She shakes her head. "I need all the help you can offer."

I have pm'd Aza, who has not posted for a while. Jamba is on vacation but returning today. Pious ? Let's get moving - things will pick up as you leave town...

-Posted with Wayfinder

Turn 005: Action 2

Pious nods as he notices the tattoo

"Are you pious Sheriff? In the hands of The Inheritor the faith has remained strong. But now the Living God is returned, and a golden age dawns. Aroden has a place for the strong at his right hand."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 How is she reacting? Is she devout?

"But I can see you have doubts. To doubt is holy, to trust divine The strength of Aroden flows through me. I accept your quest, and when I return victorious it shall be in His name. Iomedae is a fine herald, but these are times for true divinity."

Pious is about to reply to Chest Thumper, detailing funereal rights, but then...

"You can leave my body where it falls"

"And where I lay that shall be holy ground, I shall be left as I please.

Who is this man that rewrites scripture, that utters gods words with a heathen tongue.

"Flames do God's work, some alchemist's fire will serve us well enough"

Do we have any CLW potions? Does anyone want anything except the fire oil?

Apologies to all for my disappearance without warning - I should be better about posting for the foreseeable future (and, well, letting you know when I can't as well).

Turn 5: Action 2

As Aza enjoyed the food, she listened carefully to the offer. While she frowned at the bloodstain on the Sheriff's leg, she did not say anything about it, instead nodding and saying "It d-does seem to be qu-quite a generous offer..."

At the mention of fire to dispose of bugs, she raised a finger, grinning. "Ah, f-fire, n-now that is something I can-n certain-tainly help with." Her expression faltered for a moment as she realized what they were talking about - she had not had much experience adventuring, and this job, while well-paying and for a good cause, was certain to test her at some point. But if she could not handle a trek through the forest, she shouldn't be here, anyway. For a moment she remembered Jasper, the cat that was to be her familiar, chasing bugs out of their family's basement. "...alth-though I hope we do not run into any t-tr-trolls." She shivered.

"While I have some healing c-capability, I belie-v-ve it would be pr-prudent to p-purchase some healing potions." She thought for a moment. "Th-there is a spell that I know of that may c-come in handy out there in the ju-jungle. If I can f-find a scroll of remove sickness, I think that would be u-useful."

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Pious nods as he notices the tattoo. "Are you pious Sheriff? In the hands of The Inheritor the faith has remained strong. But now the Living God is returned, and a golden age dawns. Aroden has a place for the strong at his right hand."

When Pious asks Adaela about religion, she self-consciously rolls down her sleeves, covering up her tattoo and brushing off her devotion as being “something from a long time ago.”

Turn 6 is up, as is a map of Fort Breakthrough on the Campaign Tab.

Turn 006 - At The Gates Of Fort Breakthrough

Questions, actions?

Chest Thumper would suggest that they buy a cure light wounds potion, a bottle of alchemist fire and a scroll of cure disease before they leave. As he can reproduce at least one of those effects himself, he would suggest that Iradyiel carry the alchemist fire and Aza the scroll. The potion could go with Pious or Jamba. He would also suggest they wait until the next morning to set out to maximize their daylight but would defer to other members of the party on all those issues.

He would be rather casual as he framed out all the threats to them in the jungle. He had, after all, grown up with them and they were as every day to him as pick pockets would be to someone from a city. From time to time he would go down on all fours as they walked along, seeming as comfortable that way as upright. He did keep a wary eye out for the troll, though and was quite pleased when they reached their destination without seeing it.

Francis released a low hoot at site of the shattered gate.

"No, it doesn't look good," Chest Thumper agreed.

"Does anyone want to scout ahead, either magically or physically or should we just go in?"

He got out a dart just in case something popped out of the keep before they made a decision.

Action 1

Aza agreed with Chest Thumper's suggestions, taking and storing the scroll among her other magical implements. Given his consistant show of knowledge on this region (and the fact that it seemed like everyone had more knowledge than her about it), she decided to follow their lead on when, exactly, they should leave.

Action 2

Aza looked at the gate with some fear and nervously pulled at an exposed strand of her hair. "D-d-do you think an og-gre did this?" she asked, glancing at Chest Thumper. "Something b-big, I'd r-reckon." She pulled at one of the blue quartz crystals hanging from her quarterstaff, and mumbled something in draconic - "ي-أي الرياح ج- جمع و ح- ح- حمايتي ..." At her words, nothing visibly changed - at least not at a brief glance. But if one looked closely they could see her loose clothes, hanging crystals, and hair gently move as if in a breeze.

Aza activates her Air Barrier revelation.

action 1
’I would happily carry the alchemical fire, I hate bugs.’ Nodding in agreement with Chest Thumper, Iradyiel goes into the store with him, Nodding to Heri, accepting her replacement list. ”Yes Mam, we will keep an eye out for any herbs gathered for you, or we will try and find them ourselves.” helping gather the items and dispersing them to the people he recommended. He hands the list of items to Chest Thumper and asks, ”Master Thumper, do you recognize any of these herbs?”
does Iradyiel recognize any of the herbs or extracts?
knowledge: nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

action 2
It’s only a three hour trip, we should be there by mid afternoon, or ‘Prevening’ for you ‘Big Bang’ fans
’That doesn’t look good’ Walking close to the front of the party Iradyiel stops, raising a hand in a fist and squatting down, as he had been trained by his father. Whispering to himself ”That doesn’t look good.” Realizing that Chest Thumper must have had the same realization, he answers quietly ”Ogre or battering ram, I'm not sure which. Either way, I am willing to scout ahead. But I believe that if someone was watching they would know we are here already.” Smiling slightly he continues, ”Besides there is strength in numbers and it’s a big hole, I think we should all go.”

Action 1:
Given Chest Thumper's recommendation that they set out the next day, and Aza's deferral to him, and silence from Jamba and Pious, the next morning it is.

The party sources their purchases without further problem. Heri is grateful for the offer to collect her herb supply, saying in a slurred voice, “If you could keep an eyeball open for these, I’d appreciate it muchly.” Iradyiel, you are not familiar with the herbs in question but given the descriptions provided. You need a DC20 Kn Nature or Survival roll and an hour's effort to collect what was requested.

Please note the scroll is of 'Remove Sickness' not 'Cure Disease'. The latter is a lvl3 spell and out of your budget. Please note the items on your personal inventories as per CT's post. I'll record the 10gp change on the loot section of the recap sheet.

Action 2:
Approaching the shattered gate cautiously, Chest Thumper notices some very large tracks in the earth outside: whatever made them must have been a very heavily-set, four-legged saurian, with a heavy tail. You suspect this was a pachycephalosaurus; nat 20 on your roll ! and may have been what battered the gate to pieces, before it move away from the walls.

given the posts above, I'm ruling you move together into the gate to see inside the courtyard...

I wasn't sure if Chest Thumper was figuring six hours or three hours, so I pointed out three, but the next morning is fine.

The party cautiously pick their way over the shattered remnants of the wooden gate, with weapons drawn. The apeman and barbarian take the lead, followed by Aza, then Pious and Francis.

Once the front two cross the threshold, they see a wide, muddy courtyard, with three buildings clinging to the sides of the fort’s interior walls. Those to the southwest and the east are sealed tight, while the door to the building in the northwest lies slightly ajar. A well squats near the northeastern end of the courtyard, while a fence between the southwestern and northwestern buildings forms a simple animal pen.

Two human bodies — decaying quickly in the tropical sun — lie in the mud, one with a spear poking from its chest. Standing astride them, tearing at the rotting bodies, are a pair of small green-and yellow dinosaurs, measuring about 3 feet long and weighing about 15 pounds each. Spotting the party, each stops feeding, lowers their head and starts scratching the ground with long claws in swift, darting motions. They don’t attack yet, but trapped within the courtyard area defending their food, they appear highly aggressive.

It is at that point that Aza, crossing the gateway, triggers a collapse of the heavy beams above her. With a terrific clatter, several of the heavy wooden planks crash downward, striking glancing blows to Aza, Pious and Francis!

Falling beam trap
Aza: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28, damage: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4; Pious: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29, damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2;
Francis: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19, damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

As the roiling cloud of dust raised by the beams starts to clear, the dinosaurs leap to attack!

Initiative!
>> Dino x2
-ChestThumper / Francis
-Pious
-Iradyiel
-Aza

The furthest dinosaur calls out in a loud high-pitched chittering call, before charging at Iradyiel: attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 Its claws rake his armour but fail to find any purchase.

The right-most dino lunges in to attack Chest-Thumper with a lightning-fast clawed attack: attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0. Catching him by surprise, it's claws cause little damage but do inject a debilitating venom. save Fort DC 12; frequency 1/rnd for 4 rounds; effect 1d2 Str; cure 1 save.

The shrill call attracts a third dino, which emerges from through the fence surrounding the animal pen in the north.

Map is updated. Chest Thumper needs a DC12 poison save (see above). All party members are up!

hey GMAD, how do you want to handle perception checks? Normally if I have a character in front, I move slow, glacially slow. Taking 20 most of the time. If the group wants to move faster I would take 10's most places and 20's at doorways and obvious bottlenecks.

I didn't realize you would move us into the interior yet. Is it ok that anytime we are at a door that Iradyiel is taking 20 and the rest of the time he is taking 10?

where is the map? never mind, Campaign tab

'Crap, a trap and the dino's are attacking' Iradyiel dodges out of the way of the large lizard, he begins to rage, drawing his knobkerrie club he swings it with both hands at the creature letting out a roar. "Aaauuuuurrrrrrrgggggg." like his father taught him.

move action: Draws club, attack: rage, PA AC 15
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 for damage: 1d10 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 3 = 19

I'm very happy to have a policy in place, if everyone is happy with it, since that will simplify and speed up some parts of play. So for clarity, are we all happy with the policy being:

"Party will take 10 on passive perception for traps and threats most of the time, and take 20 at bottle-necks, doors, and with suspicious items"

However, you should be aware that I am strict in applying the definition of 'take-20' where it says that 'taking 20 assumes that your character will fail many times before succeeding'. That's fine when dealing with something passive (eg listening at a door), but if you are interacting with the environment, eg entering difficult terrain in which a trap may be secreted, the act of searching but failing might itself trigger the trap. Taking 20 is far from failsafe...

Shockingly, the otherwise courteous and polite Iradyiel explodes into rabid violence, as with a bone-crunching blow, his club is brought down on the skull of the dinosaur. Amidst a detonation of bone and blood, there is suddenly little left of the small lizard.

Turn 1
-Dino x2: scratching and screeching
>>ChestThumper / Francis: ?? + poison save
>>Pious: ??
-Iradyiel: dino puree
>>Aza: ??

Sorry. I was out of town longer than expected. I had very little internet access in the Mountains (none on my cell phone). How should I jump back in?

Sorry. I was out of town longer than expected. I had very little internet access in the Mountains (none on my cell phone). How should I jump back in?

Hey welcome back! I've placed you on the map and rejigged the marching order. Feel free to take a turn now!

Turn 1
-Dino x2: scratching and screeching
>>ChestThumper / Francis: ?? + poison save
>>Pious: ??
-Iradyiel: dino puree
>>Aza: ??
>>Jamba: ??

"Ah, g-geez," Aza said, taking a step back in surprise at the dinosaurs sudden arrival. She began to gently rub her fingers together, generating an oily substance out of thin air, before chucking it at the nearest dinosaur.

Attack: Acid Orb against Touch AC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Jamba looks at the dinosaur in front of Iradyiel and curses it. 14 Will Save or -2 to AC for 1 round if passed 7 rounds if failed: Evil Eye

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Someone remind me to make the Survival check when the characters get a little time to search for the herbs if it seems I've forgotten.
It is amusing how different styles play out. I was worried about not having enough daylight but wouldn't think to do that many searches while Iradyiel is ready to rush to the site but take his time exploring it. That being said, I'm totally good with his method and expect it will greatly increase our chances of survival...
Now...on to the meat.

At about the same time Francis found himself under a heavy piece of wood, Chest Thumper found himself entirely too close to a vicious little dinosaur. The former was less than pleased with the pain inflicted on him. The latter was more pleased when the claw of the dinosaur didn't seem to do him any harm.

The dart in his hand wasn't going to do him any good, and he dropped it, unlimbering the great axe from his back as he moved a few feet over, clearing the entry for the rest of the party to come in. He was impressed by Iradyiels fury but had no hope of matching it, so did not try. He simply took a swing at the beast, hoping to cleave it in twain.

Greataxe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Slashing: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Apparently, the dinosaur had done more damage than he thought. His fingers felt numb from whatever had been on the dinosaur's talon.

Free action - dropping dart. Five foot step to the right. Move action - drawing Greataxe. Standard action - attack

Francis glared at the piece of wood that fell on him. He decided he could not hurt it, but he could hurt the little lizard things that had come out and attacked his brother.

Giving a roar that echoed the half elf's, he moved forward next to Iradyiel and, snarling furiously lashed out with his savage claws.

Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Stepping after Francis, Pious drew his ornate longsword.

"Stand before the beast and suffer not its blasphemy"

A wave of energy seems to radiate out from the sword.

5ft step up to behind Iradyiel, move to draw, standard to cast Bless (+1 to Attack rolls for all)

Turn 7 is up! Turn 7 - Dino Attack!

Turn 2
-Dino x3: Ineffective scratching
>>ChestThumper: DC12 poison save
>>Francis: ??
>>Pious: ??
>>Iradyiel: ??
>>Aza: ??
>>Jamba: ??

Feel free to post actions and questions!