GM Rat Sass |
Tynan and Hourpen take the lead, as the party covers the speculated distance as the hawk flies. The ground firms up as the mangaroos become thicker, occasionally tripping you, demanding your respect for their presence.
As they declare their intent to stealth forward, no farther than 80' to 90', both Hourpen and Tynan are reduced to quarter-speed as they attempt to pinpoint the Twisted Branch lair.
Tynan Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Hourpen Stealth: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (1) + 24 = 25
The two 'disappear' into the deeper swamps, as the Mists threaten to separate the party.
Tynan, Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Hourpen, Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
1d100 ⇒ 100
1d20 ⇒ 3
1d20 ⇒ 1
You manage to avoid a patrol by mere moments, as the two creatures continue on, apparently unaware of your presence. As they slip further into the dense swamp, you're able to make out a large, dome-like structure, made entirely of mangaroo trees, intertwined. There are light sources that dot the interior of the structure, but you can tell, even from this distance, that viewing the interior will be futile from the outside. It appears to be a continuous wall of branches. How long do you wait, and how do you wait?
Hourpen |
GM Rat Sass |
1d20 ⇒ 11
1d20 ⇒ 10
Tynan and Hourpen return to the group, muddy men plodding through the bog. Nothing seems to have followed them back to the larger group.
Hourpen |
Looking toward the group and narrowing his gaze toward Ascaria.
"It seems, whether by nature or some other means these lizardfolk have a structure of sorts that will make it very difficult to approach them unawares or by force without endangering whoever might be inside. There is a large, dome-like structure, fashioned entirely of mangaroo trees. They are intertwined in such a way that the interior cannot be seen. Though there appeared to be light coming from the inside I cannot say if there was an entrance or not. It appeared to be one seamless wall of branches."
Solrisa Iome Arabasti |
+1 to having the stealth done quickly.
"There is a large, dome-like structure, fashioned entirely of mangaroo trees."
Solrisa smiles, amusing that dome built out of trees shaped like that could exist.
"If you guys don't want to go in, I'm happy to take them out. You've come with me so far, but you don't have to risk yourselves anymore unless you want to. I can go get them," Solrisa says, trying to be helpful. She looks to the everyone's faces, each in turn.
"That's a good plan, I think. If we can't sneak to them, then we must go direct...and if they die, we have tried our best."
Hourpen |
"When making cake the eggs must be broken. People are not like eggs. I do not think we should risk them breaking. Perhaps we should hear what others think. I know you don't want the people you've been charged to protect to break like eggs."
Ascaria |
Ascaria brightens at the thought, ”So you think we can avoid their patrols? That is good. I don’t want to slaughter everyone if we can avoid it. We just need our people, and to show these lizard folk it’s unwise to attack a human settlement, however small. Don’t need a genocide - that might spur other clans to attack in reprisal maybe. I dunno, I'm no lizard folk expert.”
With that he’s ready to move on to the lizard folk, uh, mansion, or whatever. He’d very curious to see it with his own eyes though his imagination is already running away with him. His fingers clutch a little as if drawing as he walks.
Hourpen |
"The more I think of the dome, the more I wish I had looked into it's nature. Doesn't it seem sensible that magic might be involved? I don't wish to slow the pace, but I do wish we could take time to look into the dome a bit more. " Though Hourpen looms at Tynan as he finishes speaking it is almost as if he's thinking aloud as they walk.
Eri Nandri |
"Now Sol, we've talked about this. We need you. We need you to protect us, but you have to stay near us.We need you to keep us safe.
GM Rat Sass |
1d20 ⇒ 16
1d20 ⇒ 18
1d20 ⇒ 14
1d20 ⇒ 8
With Hourpen's suggestion, Tynan and he slink back in for a prolonged look, cautioning the others to wait a little while longer. They finally slip close enough to study the structure, keeping out of sight of yet another patrol, or was it the same pair of lizardfolk returning? They manage to observe the pair enter the dome from the northern side, pushing aside mangaroo branches like a curtain.
Returning to the party, the sun has set, bringing light levels down due to no strong moonlight and heavy mists. You're at least guaranteed concealment until 50' away from the dome. The dome's lights will allow you to trace your way to the north entrance.
You are now 50' away. How do you proceed?
GM Rat Sass |
You do not detect any auras of magic, coming from neither the lizardfolk patrol passing by, nor the dome itself.
Mortimer Smith |
"If you guys don't want to go in, I'm happy to take them out. You've come with me so far, but you don't have to risk yourselves anymore unless you want to. I can go get them,"
Mortimer opens his mouth in order to respond in earnest against Solrisa's continuing insistence to do everything by herself, but Eri beats him to it.
"Now Sol, we've talked about this. We need you. We need you to protect us, but you have to stay near us.We need you to keep us safe."
I couldn't have put it any better. In fact, I would have made things much worse by ... talking. He grunts in agreement.
~~~ While Hourpen and Tynan are away ~~~
whirr, whirr, click!!
"Wait a second!! Did he say that there are eggs inside of cake?!"
If it's that good, maybe I should cross eggs off the list and just keep the cake...
Ascaria |
Weapon Equipped = None
Cold Iron Bullets (5/5), Silver Bullets (5/5)
Conditions = Bless (1/100r)
Life Link (5)(100’) = Hourpen, Eri, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (9/9) (DC: 18)(Avoid 6) (3d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (2/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +3, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +3, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 5, Concentration +11)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (7/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command
Second (18): (6/6) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Pilfering Hand
Ascaria says, "Follow me. I have an idea, and if it doesn't work, we'll have to fight our way in. Either way, I don't think we can stealth it, so I'm gonna try talking. I'm going to get them to take us to their leader so we don't have to fight our way through the whole group of them."
"Then I'll ask the leader to release the prisoners. If they refuse, we attack and take them out at the head rather than the feet."
"OK?"
- - -
Ascaria casts Bless (+1 attacks & saves vs fear (morale)) with the rod to extend the duration, and plows ahead, assuming the party follows... he's not so brave to go off on his own.
He marches up to the entrance, determined and with no weapon showing. As soon as he sees a lizard folk, he calls out in draconic.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
No bluff... no lies, or even any half truths.
Eri Nandri |
”I’m fine with going in talking and then fighting our way out.”
Really? Never thought I’d say anything like that.”
Eri casts gravity bow before heading out. If message needs to be recast he does so, but he warns Sol first as he ill be changing the group by dropping Mort and adding Sol. It will not be because Mort ideas are weird, but because Sol might need some redirection.
”OK Sol. I’m going to cast a spell that will allow you, me, Tynan, Hourpen and Ascaria to all whisper messages into all of our ears at once from very far away. That way we can tell you if you need to come save us if we get separated.”
AC 12
CMD 16
BAB +3
Defensive casting = 12 (@4th)
Spell Penetration= 4
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic. Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (7/8 per day) (Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (4/4 per day) (Admonishing Ray)
Weapon equipped = +1 Composite Long Bow
+7 or +5/+5
+8 or +6/+6 within 30' with +1 dam
GM Rat Sass |
1d100 ⇒ 6
Yeah, for at least the time it takes Tynan and Hourpen scout a second time, your initial spell would have faded.
Eri connects folks for hushed, magical conversations, while Ascaria brings his Blessing to bear, before walking up to the Twisted Branch Lair. Something noisily takes flight from the roof of the dome.
A harpy leaves its perch for something further from you.
After what seems like an eternity, standing in the mud, the same curtain previously scouted rustles now, and two lizardfolk emerge. Both carry shortswords, and they remain in the 'doorway'.
"Lower your voice, sheathe your weapons. Be quick about it. And be quiet. Hishka would speak with you."
Tynan Swale |
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
As they approach the fortress, Tynan speaks quietly.
"I caught a glimpse of the creature that flew away from the roof. It looked to have the head and torso of a woman, but the body of a large bird. We'll need to keep an eye out for attacks from above..."
Mortimer Smith |
AC 19, 23 on AoO; 39/39 HP
BAB = +5 (level 5)
ToHit = 1d20+9
RHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+5 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+6
Will+4 (+2 base/wis, +2 headband)
Initiative+2
CMD = 23, 21 if flat footed
Flexibility Slots: 5/5
Shirt Slots: 10/10
Bless
PerceptionDC20: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Mortimer leads Cinder following close behind Ascaria.
GM Rat Sass |
The creature Tynan describes is a harpy. For every 5 points above, 14, you may ask a single question regarding the harpy's wonderful facets.
You are quickly led through part of the complex, veering off to the left, and past a handful of lizardfolk who seem to barely contain their aggression while you pass.
Entering a larger room in the dome, you are greeted by a central figure. It stands stooped, with beads and feathers adorning its neck and head. Three other lizardfolk remain in the room with you. The more official-looking lizardfolk begins to speak with you... in the Common tongue.
"You have travelled through the Marsh. My name is Hishka, shaman of the Twisted Branch tribe. You may speak freely here, but do not raise your voices. My people only speak Our Tongue. You have called on us, and I have answered. What is your intention here? You would make demands upon us, in our home? Speak quickly now."
Roll20 Map has been updated.
Ascaria |
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Ascaria frowns at Tynan's news, but can't remember any particular stories. Just that they're bad news...
He moves along as quickly as his short legs will take him until finally he's surprised by a lizard with intelligence!
"We're here to see our people returned." he says simply.
"Your lizards took our people from our keep just a few days ago. Return them to us please. And no funny stuff. This lot is just looking for conflict." he looks back at Mort's intimidating appearance and Sol's shining armor.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
I hope they like the firm approach!
GM Rat Sass |
"Were it up to me, we would never had taken them in the first place. Shukak demands it. Kotabas supports him. You will have to make them see reason, where I have failed." He points to the party's weapons. "That. That is your reason. If you kill them, you will have your people back. If you kill any others here, you will have our eternal hatred."
This lizardfolk speaks without pause, speaks on what it knows, and it wants this to come to pass, very badly.
Eri Nandri |
perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Eri puts his bow away and follows.
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Eri looks around the room like he is sizing up the lizards and finding them lacking.
intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
No funny stuff.
Mortimer Smith |
AC 19, 23 on AoO; 39/39 HP
BAB = +5 (level 5)
ToHit = 1d20+9
RHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+5 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+6
Will+4 (+2 base/wis, +2 headband)
Initiative+2
CMD = 23, 21 if flat footed
Flexibility Slots: 5/5
Shirt Slots: 10/10
Bless
SenseMotiveDC20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
What is this, some weird LizardFolk Exhibition game? How does this shaman Hishka lose control of his people and let them make the decisions?
Mortimer makes a fist with his left hand and rams it into his right hand twice, leaving it covered in anticipation. He uses his inside voice. "I'm game. Which ones are Shukak and Kotabas?
He looks around, expecting to see two LizardFolk warriors armed to the, uh -- teeth.
Hourpen |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24, Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Tynan Swale |
Tynan eyes Hiska carefully, sizing up his words... and defenses. (studied target) Tynan finds his words quite unrevealing.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 2 = 15 studied
GM Rat Sass |
1d20 ⇒ 16
Hishka looks back and forth between Tynan, Hourpen, and Ascaria. "The harpies decide their own fate. If they fight with Shukak, they have chosen their side."
The lizardfolk moves closer to Ascaria, but looks over his head to engage Mortimer. "Shukak is large, and wields a trident. Kotabas is almost as large, and wears a spider carapace." He points to the south of the room, where you may enter another room of the dome.
"If you proceed through there, you keep going through the next rooms, and you will find both of them. You will also find your people. They are tied to the walls in Shukak's chambers. If you want them, you should be careful."
Ascaria |
Weapon Equipped = None
Cold Iron Bullets (5/5), Silver Bullets (5/5)
Conditions = Bless (25/100r)
Life Link (5)(100’) = Hourpen, Eri, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (9/9) (DC: 18)(Avoid 6) (3d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (2/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +3, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +3, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 5, Concentration +11)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (7/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command
Second (18): (6/6) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Pilfering Hand
Ascaria looks surprised that Hishka overheard their conversation. I guess message isn't all that secret!
"Thanks for this. Why do we need to be careful? Will Shukak or Kotabas attack them while they hang there just to spite us?"
Ascaria checks his links, and his Bless Still going! while he waits for a reply.
GM Rat Sass |
"Kotabas is cruel. Shukak is proud. They are... unpredictable." Hishka waves at the other two lizardfolk in the room, and they move towards the mangaroo walls, making way for you all.
Mortimer Smith |
AC 19, 23 on AoO; 39/39 HP
BAB = +5 (level 5)
ToHit = 1d20+9
RHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+5 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+6
Will+4 (+2 base/wis, +2 headband)
Initiative+2
CMD = 23, 21 if flat footed
Flexibility Slots: 5/5
Shirt Slots: 10/10
Bless
"Shukak is large, and wields a trident. Kotabas is almost as large, and wears a spider carapace."
"Got it, thanks."
Mortimer starts striding South toward where Hishka indicated the presense of Shukak and Kotabas, but is careful not to get too far ahead of everyone else.
"Hey Sol -- do you want to take on Spiderman or Gozreh?" he asks, with a gleam in his eye.
Solrisa Iome Arabasti |
Solrisa smiles at the helpful and nice lizardman shaman. She accepts what he says at face value.
"Hey Sol -- do you want to take on Spiderman or Gozreh?"
Sol looks shocked at the thought...but then smiles, feeling foolish. She won't lie to Mort. She is honest.
"Both, of course. I don't want you to get hurt, Mort. I can do it all if you want," Solrisa says, donning her shield. "But I will let you have first choice. Or, if you wanted, we could play Oopsie-Topsie together. That might be fun too."
Solrisa follows Mort to the south.
Mortimer Smith |
AC 19, 23 on AoO; 39/39 HP
BAB = +5 (level 5)
ToHit = 1d20+9
RHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+5 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+6
Will+4 (+2 base/wis, +2 headband)
Initiative+2
CMD = 23, 21 if flat footed
Flexibility Slots: 5/5
Shirt Slots: 10/10
Bless
"Oopsie-Topsie sounds great. High or low for you? I was thinking of going for the throat."
Eri Nandri |
Eri will try to keep up with Mort but use him for cover. When we are outside of the chamber to ‘Kak and ‘Bas he will refresh Gravity Bow.
When we are away from the Shamen Er will whisper the following
AC 12
CMD 16
BAB +3
Defensive casting = 12 (@4th)
Spell Penetration= 4
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic. Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (7/8 per day) (Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (4/4 per day) (Admonishing Ray)
Weapon equipped = +1 Composite Long Bow
+7 or +5/+5
+8 or +6/+6 within 30' with +1 dam
GM Rat Sass |
The group moves through the mangaroo rooms, into the next chamber, which appears to be another sleeping quarters for several lizardfolk. You catch sight of a couple of lizardfolk who have moved through a side way, likely to avoid whatever conflict is about to erupt, with hisses and snaps in their lizard tongue.
"Soft-skins. What are they doing here?? Bad omen. They bring death into our home!"
Another chamber to the southwest, and the party is greeted by the softest of sounds. Someone is singing in the next chamber. She's not too far away, in fact. You should definitely go to see her. With a voice as lovely as that, she's likely a very lovely creature.
Will Save DC 16, for everyone.
Please move directly ahead, into the next room. She's waiting for you. Don't keep her waiting.
Ascaria: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Eri: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Hourpen: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Mortimer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Solrisa: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Tynan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Harpy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Round 1
Harpy- 21
Solrisa- 17
Mortimer- 15
Hourpen- 13
Tynan- 13-
Ascaria- 4
Eri- 3
The party is up!
Ascaria |
Round: 1, Initiative: 4
Weapon Equipped = Wand Cure Light Wounds
Cold Iron Bullets (5/5), Silver Bullets (5/5)
Conditions = Bless (25/100r)
Life Link (5)(100’) = Hourpen, Eri, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (9/9) (DC: 18)(Avoid 6) (3d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (2/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +3, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +3, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 5, Concentration +11)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (7/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command
Second (18): (6/6) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Pilfering Hand
Ascaria tries to resist the siren’s song…
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Not wanting to be left behind, Ascaria moves up with Sol a little, while staying in the rear.
Solrisa Iome Arabasti |
Round 1, Init 17
Solrisa double moves toward the sound of the singing. She has a bright happy smile on her face.
AC=24 (10 armor +2 shield +1 dex +1 NA)
HP=44/44
Right hand = empty
Left hand = heavy shield
LoH 0/5 used
Quick Shirt 0/1 used
The Dragon Invoked 0/2 used
Breath of the Dragon 0/1 used
[ dice]1d20+10-2+1[/dice] to hit; (bless)
[ dice]1d10+4+4+1d6[/dice] magic & fire damage.
Mortimer Smith |
Round 1, Init 15
AC 19, 23 on AoO; 39/39 HP
BAB = +5 (level 5)
ToHit = 1d20+9
RHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+5 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+6
Will+3 (+2 base/wis, +1 headband)
Initiative+2
CMD = 23, 21 if flat footed
Flexibility Slots: 5/5
Shirt Slots: 10/10
Bless
WillDC16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
"Mort, Listen! Do you hear that!?! It's lovely singing! I like singing!!"
"Huh?" He cocks his head to hear. "No, not right now, Sol!" exclaims Mort trying not to be distracted. Without looking directly at her, He holds out a cold mist enveloped hand as if he expects Sol to yield. "We'll sing later. Right now, let's look for a trident wielding Lizard."
Mortimer moves forward leading Cinder, looking around for a Trident wielding Lizard.
Double move.
Eri Nandri |
Round 1, Init 3
Will save 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Eri double moves to keep up with the party, trying to stay in the rear. He see's Mort trying to avert his gaze and does likewise.
AC 12
CMD 16
BAB +3
Defensive casting = 12 (@4th)
Spell Penetration= 4
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic. Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (7/8 per day) (Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (4/4 per day) (Admonishing Ray)
Weapon equipped = +1 Composite Long Bow
+7 or +5/+5
+8 or +6/+6 within 30' with +1 dam
Tynan Swale |
Round 1, Init 13-
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Tynan hears the beautiful singing, and is taken back to a simpler time with his wife and daughter.
If I can find the singer, maybe I can go back to those wonderful times...
Tynan follows Sol toward the singing.
HP:34/34
Saves:Fort 4, Ref 8, Will 2