GM Elberion's Council of Thieves
Game Master GeraintElberion

Round 3:

Status:

HP: 13/13 AC: 15 Conditions: mage armor

Inspired by the owlbear's embarrassing performance, Pontia also misses wildly with her next acid dart. The missile sails past the creature and dissipates into an acrid mist before it touches anything.

Acid dart ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Nicolai reloads his crossbow and fires again!

Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage 1d8 ⇒ 6

Amazed at the beast's awkward assault, Daxius moves into melee. (I lost the grid on the map, but he'll take a 5' step SW.) He draws his sword as he advances, slashing as he gets into range. "Stand strong Hyngrot! We shall destroy this monstrosity without delay!"

slash! 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Updated Map.

Just Hyngrot to go again, then the owlbear.

"Just die already!" Hyngrot launches into another assault of his own.

scimitar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6; 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
shield: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21; 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Hyngrot's blow swings wide but his shield smashes into the owlbear's mangled face, the beast stumbles backward a few steps, squawking through gargled blood and slumps on its side, blood pouring from numerous wounds.

End of initiative. Over to you!

Pontia rushes to the wounded half-orc's side. "Are you all right? I thought that thing was going to tear you apart."

The wind blows in the trees, the insects chirp, birds land again on the nearby branches and animals continue their scurrying lives in the undergrowth.
The owlbear sighs his last breath and, as you stand in stunned silence, you see Janniven approaching, red in the face, stern of countenance, bearing a wound to her face and followed by a sheepish Vitti.
She pats Nicolai on the shoulder: I'm going to get Vitti out of here, we'll pick up a caravan on the way back to Westcrown easy enough. Here, take these.
She hands Nicolai two small phials Potions of CLW, A gift from Arael.
Then she wishes you way and disappears back down the track with Vitti.

Whatcha wanna do? You can speak to Janniven if you want but she really wants to get Vitti home, eager as he was to help, he is clearly a liability.

Pontia rushes to the wounded half-orc's side. "Are you all right? I thought that thing was going to tear you apart."

"The thing definitely tried. And did a darn good job of it too."

As Janniven informs us of her decision, "Probably for the best. And thanks for the potions." Bandaging his wounds as well as he cans, Hyngrot slowly makes his way towards the bodies.

Sorry for getting so beat up guys. We should definitely look for a want of CLW when we get some cash, lol. So anyone have any healing, or do you mind if I use the potions?

Ranger, inquisitor and alchemist can all cover some amount of healing, and can use wands of CLW. I guess that you have to be aware that you have no cleric and so the three of you might want to pick up that slack.

I don't get spells until level 4, and not quite enough cash for a wand yet. Here's hoping soon though!

Daxius lays a warmly glowing hand on Hyngrot's shoulder, filling him with positive energy.

CLW 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

When he's through with his healing, and Janniven has led Vitti away, he speculates aloud. "Could the wounds of that unfortunate victim have been inflicted by this beast? It may not have been bandits after all."

heal check untrained 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Taking the poultices and nodding, "Thank you, Janniven." He hands them to Hyngrot.

Nicolai looks towards where his bomb scorched some of the foliage and frowns. If there are any small flames, he'll try to put them out

As Nicolai douses the flames, Daxius' healing has a dramatic effect on Hyngrot: closing many of his wounds, staunching his bloody nose and opening his battered left eye that had been turning into one vivid bruise.

After a bit of introspection, Daxius shakes his head. "The man was killed by weapons, not by beak and claw. Which means that our encounter with the beast was one of random chance." He considers, then adds. "Of course, the beast could have been some sort of guardian of the bandit's camp. Perhaps we should back-track it and see from whence it came."

Daxius will investigate the immediate area in a tight spiral pattern, trying to identify any tracks made by humans. He will also follow the tracks of the owlbear back thirty or so yards, to see if he can tell where they may have come from. Survival (track) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Also, Perception, if needed 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

In the heavy undergrowth, Daxius just can't seem to chart the owlbear's movements.

"Thanks Daxius. Let me give you a hand there." Hyngrot tries to follow the tracks as well.

Survival to track: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Hoping that his knowledge about the creature will aid Hygrot's efforts, Nicolai will look in the foliage. Aid another action

Survival 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Hyngrot quickly identifies the creatures tracks and pursues them through the forest, after 10 minutes the trail leads to a huge nest, woven on the ground in a nook between an upthrust of granite and a large swathe of holy bushes.
The nest is about 10ft across and 6ft tall; as you stand 30ft away you cannot tell if there is anyone, or anything, inside the nest.

Daxius sheepishly falls in behind the marching order, taking his usual position as rear guard. He nocks an arrow and keeps a sharp eye out.

When they reach the nest, he keeps his distance, wrinkling his nose in disgust. "I imagine that the interior of that lair is quite filthy. I'll cover us if anyone is willing to search it." He tries to appear particularly alert and useful on guard duty.

Not being an outdoors-type person, Pontia lets the ranger and inquisitor take the lead. "If we're going to make a habit of this, I should learn more about nature."

Hyngrot stealthily approaches the nest, weapons at the ready, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger.

Survival (Tracking): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 Add 2 if human
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Add 2 if human

Hyngrot Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

As Hyngrot nears the nest a red-and-black snake slithers out of the nest and stops, weaving slightly, intensely staring at the half-orc.

Taking a defensive stance, Hyngrot quietly and calmly calls back. "There's something in the next, metal. Might be a clue, might be junk, might be valuable. Hey there, little snake. Why don't you just go around to the other side of the trees. I'm just interested in what you got there." Hyngrot tries to coax the snake away.

Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

I really hope that spoiler doesn't say this thing is poisonous, cause I probably just made it hostile.

As Hyngrot gestures and moves closer the snake rears up, ready to strike.

roll initiative

That's heartbreaking, when a ranger absolutely enrages a snake...

Initiative roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Inish: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Yea, one of those times when I was tempted to change after seeing the roll. Just can't bring myself to do it.

"Snake!" Daxius shouts belatedly.

The Asmodeans used a lot of snakes in their ceremonies, and they always creeped Daxius out. This one was even sporting The Archfiend's colors. His instinct was that the Dark Priests had sent it, which of course was very silly when you stopped for a second to think about it.

initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

DM - as per the Domain Power below, I'd like to make it a standard practice to grant Hyngrot the option to "roll twice and take the better initiative" option. I realize it won't come in handy during this particular encounter, since he already rolled a 19, but generally speaking he's the one who closes with and fixes the front line of the enemy, and he's probably the best all around choice.

Tactics Domain Power - Seize the Initiative (Su): Whenever you and your allies roll for initiative, you can grant one ally within 30 feet the ability to roll twice and take either result.
This decision is made before results are revealed. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.

Nicolai tenses his body at seeing the snake preparing to strike at Hyngrot.

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Daxius, that's cool. Although it might be better to post something like that in the discussion thread.

Initiative
Block 1 = Hyngrot, Daxius and Nicolai
Block 2 = Snake
Block 3 = Pontia

The snake is clearly rearing up to strike, currently about 10ft from Hyngrot and with its back to the nest.

There is a clearing about 25ft across with the nest to the West, brambles to the North and trees and brush covering the rest. The clearing floor is trampled earth with a few roots poking out and soem straggly grasses. The rest of the group are 10ft behind Hyngrot.

Not got my computer this week and I don't think this one really needs a map anyway: we'll have to kick it old-school. No Map.

Round 1

Seeing his attempt to soothe the snake failed, Hyngrot decides another approach is in order. Stepping forward, he attempts to bring the shield down upon the snake to pin it, bringing down the scimitar in a cutting motion hopting to defeat it in one shot.

5' step forward and full attack.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18; 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Shield: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19; 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Hyngrot slashes and bashes at the weaving, ducking snake. He draws blood but the snake is still looking to strike.

Daxius will move to within 30' of the snake and fire an arrow at it.

attack 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 4 = 7 damage 1d8 ⇒ 1 I put in the -4 for firing into melee, since I'm not sure if Daxius could get off the shot before Hyngrot closed with the snake

As the snake bobs and weaves, Daxius can't get a shot around Hyngrot's body and his bolt disappears into the nest, another branch in the complex, woven thickness.

Nicolai

Nicolai hastily reloads his crossbow and moves to stand near Daxius. As he aims, he'll say
"Maybe we should just back off from it? It sees the nest as it's 'safe zone'"

Knowledge 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The swirling snake darts at Hyngrot
attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

but its fangs sink into Hyngrot's shield, smearing venom across the boss.

Pontia

Round 1:

"I'd like to see what that creature was keeping for itself, though." Pontia casts a quick cantrip, trying to dazzle the snake. Casting flare, DC 14 Fort save.

The snake seems unaffected by Pontia's magic.

Block 1

Nicolai curses as the creature strikes at Hyngrot, side-stepping a bit, and takes aim.

5' step to the right, taking -4 penalty for shooting in melee
1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 4 = 16

Um, not sure what happened with Nicolai's roll but that is a hit: 1d8 ⇒ 1.

Nicolai's bolt strikes true, shearing across the snake's back.

Daxius shrugs at Nicolai's suggestion, dropping his bow and drawing his sword as he strides toward the snake. "I'll not back down while an ally is in danger."

longsword attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"Bears with beaks, probably poisonous snakes, this is why I prefer the city to the woods!" Hyngrot comes back at the snake once again.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13; 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Shield: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12; 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 2:

Status:

HP: 13/13 AC: 15 Conditions: mage armor

Trusting to her defensive spell to protect her, Pontia moves around behind the snake after it strikes and brings her staff around in a blurring attack; the snake ducks under the blow, however.

To hit with quarterstaff (assuming flanking): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Despite some enthusiastic swinging, neither Daxius nor Hyngrot can land a blow on the agile foe.

The snakes lunges forward again, this time for Daxius
attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Pontia has already announced her go, so back to block 1

Pontia cannot get fully behind the snake because of the nest but Hyngrot can set up flanking by taking a 5ft step south (Pontia is north of the serpent, Daxius to the east, the nest is westward, behind it).

Moving to flank, he gives a smile to Pontia as he darts out with both weapons again.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 = 14; 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Shield: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8; 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hyngrot's scimitar draws a wicked gash along its underside as the serpent weaves away from his shield.

The snake heaves a last fluttering sigh and falls heavily like a dropped coil of rope.

End of initiative.

Insects buzz, birds squawk... the life of the forest goes on around you. Before you is a huge nest and a dying snake.

Daxius sheathes his sword, claps Hyngrot on the shoulder in a comradely way, and walks over to retrieve his bow. He makes a show of inspecting the string and cleaning the wood of any dirt, silently hoping that someone else will volunteer to search the disgusting nest while he tends his gear.

"So where are these bandits, then?" Daxius wonders aloud.

Reloading his crossbow with a fresh bolt, Nico walks over to Hyngrot, concerned. "Did the snake injure you?"

He then nods, "Daxius, I'll look through the nest...forgive me for my hesitation." He bows, and rummages through the nest.

Perception1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20