Hunger in the Darkness - Expedition to the Mines of Zolurket (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Claw 1 @ Khepri: 1d20+8 for 1d6+3 and Bleed 1 (stacking)

Khepri will spend a swift action laying on hands on himself

2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Khepri will then once again cleave the same two he did the previous round

Starting with the ghul

Power Attack with mw Scimitar 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 29
Damage 1d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 6 = 14

Confirmation 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 13 (+1 confirm by Trait)
Damage 1d6 + 5 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 6 + 2 = 16 (last +2 is fire damage)

Into the Hyena

Power Attack with mw Scimitar 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Then (if the ghul is dead) he will take a 5' step towards Cynara to help her

Khepri's divinely empowered scimitar scythes through the ghul's spine causing it howl with an otherworldly keen even as it drops to the ground unmoving. The powerful strike follows through and gives the adjacent hyena a similar treatment, extinguishing it's force of life and sending it on to the gates of the boneyard for judgment.

As the newly slain ghul lays unmoving on the ground its black robes begin to smolder.

Ghul and adjacent hyena are both dead - good work!

Round 4 Action Tracker: Hyenas, Lowfield, Cynara, Dolgrym, Padrym, Khepri, Feigr

Damage Tracker:
Ghul - dead
Hyena - L,4 - dead

Note above my status should be 19 Hps and not 22...too late to edit

Round 4

"Well done Khepri!"

Padrym attempts to cut down the hyena @I4
Magatha Two-Handed Power Attack Bless
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 181d10 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

If that hyena goes down he will step to J5

Round 4

Dolgrym pulls his axe and double moves to J8, helping Cynara flank the hyena attacking her.

DM, you missed my move last round on the map to G 11.

AC 10
HP 26/26

Padrym's axe hews one of the hyena almost in twain as Dolgrym repositions.

Apologies for missing the move Dolgrym

Round 4 Action Tracker: Hyenas, Lowfield, Cynara, Dolgrym, Padrym, Khepri, Feigr

Damage Tracker:
Ghul - dead
Hyena - L,4 - dead
Hyena - I,4 - dead

Round 4:

Status:

HP: 12/21 AC: 16 Conditions: blessed, prone

AoO on hyena: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Steady improvement, that's the ticket.

The hyena slips past Cynara's spear thrust and savages her with its jaws, knocking her to the ground. Bleeding from the bite wound, she rolls to her feet while dodging. Stand up, move action drawing AoO from hyena; combined with total defense, standard action. Nominally that's +4 AC, but I'll let you figure out whether I get it vs. the AoO.

Round 4

Seeing the primary target drop Love shifts focus to the cat attacking Cynara.

Attack, bless, in combat, Not sure if this will be a snipe or not. 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 22. Damage 1d8 ⇒ 1 add 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 if snipe. Critical confirm 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 9. Damage 1d8 ⇒ 7. Stealth following snipe if I had stealth last round. 1d20 + 8 - 20 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 20 = 8

Round 4

Seeing the ghul drop, Feigr lets out another victorious shout and turns his attention to one of the hyenas flanking him K4. He brings his waraxe around aiming another wicked blow at the hyena.

Power Attack 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 26
I am apparently on a roll on Critical threats.
Confirm 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 9
But the luck has to run out sooner or later.
Damage 1d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10

Love's bolt flashes out and thunks heavily into the hyena attacking Cynara. As she gets back to her feet, the hyena's jaws snap hungrily...
Bite @ Cynara: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 You'd get the full +4 AC vs the AoO, but no matter in this case
...taking another chunk of flesh from the elf.

Love - unfortunately, ranged sneak attacks are for within 30ft only - so you're just out of range for that part of the damage.

Feigr's biting axe sinks it's teeth into hyena flesh once more.

Seeing their leader cut down so effortlessly, whatever courage the cowardly hyena had runs out. The remaining beasts turn tail and run, a couple fleeing deeper into the cave, while the rest flee along the rock face that the cave is set into.

The ghul's corpse seems almost on the verge of catching fire and is giving off acrid smelling smoke as it smoulders.

Crit-tastic work ;) - out of combat now

Padrym's sides heave as the combat ends. He looks to the others and nods grimly that their work was so well done.

"Good plan, well executed. We're to be commended. Cynara are you able to stand?"

Padrym offers his hand to the fallen priestess.

She's up already, leaning on her spear and dusting herself off while inspecting her own wounds with a critical eye. "I'll be fine. Someone cut that thing's head off before it all burns away--it's our safe conduct, after all.

"Anyone who was wounded, stand near me." She holds up her embroidered scarf and calls upon the power of Life within her.

Channel positive energy; heals: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Channel positive energy; heals: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Khepri will cut the head off the ghul, then look up at the cave, "Do you think it worth investigating if there is anything inside that could be useful?"

"Aye Khepri, safe passage is nice but if the creature had anything useful to our mission that would be gold under the granite."

"Compared to the days spent backtracking, I don't think that taking a few minutes to quickly check their cavern will delay as too much."

Khepri roughly severs the ghul's head, and as he does he sees a glint of red and gold around it's neck. Pulling the chain free as the undead wretches trunk turns into a small fire. It is an ornate gold necklace with a sizeable ruby set as a pendant. The gold is covered with a light patina of discoloration hinting at the necklace being old.

Looking towards the cave you can see that it goes back roughly forty feet before there are two tunnels, one to either side.

If no one else does first, Cynara will cast detect magic and examine the pendant.

"It's a fine piece of jewelry, but that's all." She looks over to Love. "Do you have any idea how much it's worth?"

"Aye, Love's probably best to see the worth of that necklace. Let's check the cave. Left first?" Feigr takes a step toward the cave, but waits for the others to form up before moving in.

Moving into the cave the party can fairly easily discern the use of the two sub-passages leaving the main entrance. One is well worn and you can hear the labored yelping of the wounded hyena who fled within. The second has much less foot traffic, and you can discern only the donkey hoofed prints of the ghul leading down it.

"I say we move into the ghul's side and give that hyena a chance to flee. If it's still there when we get there we can see if there's any reason to bother it further."

"I say we move into the ghul's side and give that hyena a chance to flee. If it's still there when we get there we can see if there's any reason to bother it further."

"That is a good idea, let's head down there"

"Most assuredly. Who knows what we might find? Our intrepid cracksman should really go first, then (this being his area of expertise)." Cynara seems pleased to be in closer confines as the party makes their into the cave.

"I'n not sure I am for pushing too far into this cave. Remember our main objective is not this cave."

"A quick look won't hurt Dolrym. Finding something to aid us on our mission beyond safe passage would be well worth a few moments of our time."

Delving into the cave on the less hyena trodden side, the party soon finds that it does not extend too deeply. After a twist and turn it opens into a small chamber roughly 15ft across where the ghul obviously whiled away it's time. There is a small pile of rocks that seems to be being used as an altar of sorts and you note a grisly pile of mostly chewed jackalwere bones in one corner.

Some of the rocks making up the altar are unworked semi-precious stones.

Knowledge Religion 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"Besides, I believe we have indications of cave systems throughout these hills. It's good to have choices, just in case our safe passage isn't." What a marvel it is, to be back in a place where I can see the walls! After all this time outdoors, this is what I needed.

Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Knowledge (Religion) check: If I can take 10, it's a 16; otherwise: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Since her detect magic is apparently still running, despite her poor vision Cynara is the first to notice something out of the ordinary in the refuse pile. She reaches in and pulls out a ring with a finger still in it. Removing the finger and gently setting it aside, she says, "This ring carries some sort of magical effect. Dolgrym, I daresay you'll be better at unriddling it than I." She hands it to the transmuter.

Taking out her magnifying glass, she quickly looks over the altar. "These scorch marks aren't random, as I first thought. They're in a pattern associated with one of the evil elemental Powers...Ymeri, if I recall correctly. Our ghul was not the nicest of creatures...but we knew that already, didn't we? Which reminds me--we should probably go back and reassure our guide that we haven't all been slain."

At Cynara's prompting, Dolgrym looks over the ring. He, too, casts Detect Magic, and watches at it begins to glow in his hand.

Spellcraft 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Good point, Cynara. I forgot to signal him that we weren't eaten by the ghuul. He could probably use some reassuring after what he went through with it before."

So back outside to where Nabo cowers in fear?

"I've seen enough of this place, let us continue our journey. Dolgrym, what does the ring do?"

Female voice: You don't need it, you have me.
You can't do everything.

"The ring will be quite a help to one of the warriors, as it makes your opponents have a much more difficult time landing a blow against you. A nice little protective trinket, I must admit. "

Cynara stops suddenly and heads back up to the surface. "And we should also, now that I think of it, make haste to ensure, if necessary, that our camels are not to be considered part of a hyena's diet."

The party exits the cave to find a couple of the hyena that had fled slowly and cautiously investigating if it was safe to return. However your sudden appearance puts them to flight once more. Collecting your grisly trophy you make your way back to Nabo and your camels - which are thankfully still safe.

Nabo was curled up in a partial ball behind cover, but unfurls himself slightly at your approach. He recoils when he sees the head of Death-on-hooves, but smiles when he realises that the ghul is newly re-killed "You very strong-power, me sure-sure Chakal not kill you now"

who wants the ring?

While exiting the cave, Feigr pipes up, "Khepri or Padrym should take the ring. I have magic that offers similar protection when I have time to prepare it. It would only help me when we are surprised."

Upon reaching Nabo, Feigr grunts, "Thanks for the confidence kid. Let's see about moving on."

Still going the 'secret' way, or will you be emboldened now that you have a ghul head on a pike?

While exiting the cave, Feigr pipes up, "Khepri or Padrym should take the ring. I have magic that offers similar protection when I have time to prepare it. It would only help me when we are surprised."

Upon reaching Nabo, Feigr grunts, "Thanks for the confidence kid. Let's see about moving on."

Khepri looks at the ring and then a Padrym and says, "The ring would be a benefit to me in a fight. And while I like an edge to a fight, I already have one, Sarenrae. Please Padrym, take the ring so I may have you fighting by my side that much longer."

"That is kind of you Khepri. I don't object to taking the ring but if we decide someone else needs it let me know."

I vote we return the boy to his village, get our safe passage, then continue on as swiftly as we can.

Dolgrym hands the magical bauble to Padrym. "Wear it well."

He turns toward Nasbo, and nods at Feigr, "Now let's see about getting you home in one piece, kid."

Nabo does not seem to understand Dolgrym "What mean take me home? My home back there where all murder-dead.... you mean take me to Chakal?" his face pales somewhat at the thought "Me no want go there... bad-bad. Can come with you?" looking at you pleadingly...

Dolgrym cocks his head to the side and looks at Nabo, briefly confused. "Hmm, I thought...well, hmmm...I don't suppose I see any reason you can't come with us. I certainly don't want to leave you out here all by yourself," the mage slowly lays out his though process. "We still have a long way to travel, if you want to come with us, though" he warns the little creature.

"Long way ok, mom-dad both dead-gone and you been better-nice to me than any others." he gets to his feet and dusts himself off "You think while we go-walk through secret way?"

For clarity, this is what I understand as the plan:
Nabo to guide you the 'secret' way, which has a lower chance of running into any opposition.
If you do run into jackalwere - the ghul skull will be presented as a sign of your power to cow the opposition out of any though of affray?

I understood the original plan to be that we'd take the ghul head with to show what a great thing we'd done for Chakal, so he'd let us pass through his territory peacefully. OTOH, sneaking through works well, too.

Oh, deities. He wants to come with us? Carefully schooling her face from incredulity to concern, Cynara puts a hand on the young jackalwere's shoulder and looks down at him. "Nabo, do you know where we are going? The dangers of the road pale next to the peril we're walking into, and we may not be able to protect you." She grimaces. "We may not survive ourselves. We can't stop you if you follow us all the way, but I'm telling you it's a bad idea.

"Now, if you guide us through Chakal's lands, we could leave the head with you. I'm sure your part in slaying the ghul will earn you a place anywhere you want." Besides, it would mean so much to Khepri to redeem a jackalwere...and watching the dwarves deal with him will be amusing.

I understood the original plan to be that we'd take the ghul head with to show what a great thing we'd done for Chakal, so he'd let us pass through his territory peacefully. OTOH, sneaking through works well, too.

Oh, deities. He wants to come with us? Carefully schooling her face from incredulity to concern, Cynara puts a hand on the young jackalwere's shoulder and looks down at him. "Nabo, do you know where we are going? The dangers of the road pale next to the peril we're walking into, and we may not be able to protect you." She grimaces. "We may not survive ourselves. We can't stop you if you follow us all the way, but I'm telling you it's a bad idea.

"Now, if you guide us through Chakal's lands, we could leave the head with you. I'm sure your part in slaying the ghul will earn you a place anywhere you want." Besides, it would mean so much to Khepri to redeem a jackalwere...and watching the dwarves deal with him will be amusing.

Khepri would prefer not to deal with the jackalweres unless needed. Also thinking the ghul still out there might keep them in check. And I would of course love to give this jackalwere the chance to be something grand

Love takes a look at the necklace. Apprasial, greedy. Take 10 for 17 or roll for 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 15.

Love adds his voice to the debate. "Eh the kid wants to come, I say let him. He had a chance to run with the camels when we were fighting the Ghul. He didn't.
That's a good enough audition for me."

To the youngling. "Mind you kid. You hurt one of us or steal so much as a single grain of corn and your head will join that one there and we will leave the rest for the vultures and ants. Understand?"

Cynara looks a bit put out at Love's threat, but doesn't comment on it. "There are two other things we should do here before we leave: I would like to do something about that altar down below, and some of the stones it was made from looked potentially valuable. After I bless it, perhaps we can take the valuable ones." She'll head back into the cave and cast her spell over the crude altar, then gather up the semiprecious stones.

Looking over the necklace Love notes that the ruby is particularly lustrous and free from inclusions. Raw value would be in the range of 300-400gp, though given the age and appearance of the pendant on the chain it might be worth more to a collector.

Cynara cleanses the altar within the ghul's den and gets a sense that her actions were seen favorably by her patron. Gathering up the stones you again enlist Love's help and identify about 100gp worth of fine quality Carnelian and Lapis Lazuli among some common Obsidian.

At Love's threat Nabo nods gamefully and replies "I be good guide-tracker for you. Come, this way" and the young jackalwere starts leading you onwards towards Tar-Urkatha.

The next few days pass peacefully, though not without some degree of tension. The secret way that Nabo talked of involves numerous cutbacks and narrow gorges that run parallel to the more heavily used and flatter central track. There are a few times where he calls you to hush and all but Cynara can see patrols passing in the far distance - though you remain hidden throughout and traverse past the jackalwere village unseen.

Trekking in the mid afternoon, you notice the tension visibly drain from Nabo's body as he spies a cairn of white rocks ahead. Pointing excitedly he speaks "That rock-pile is far-end of Chakal land. No more sneak needed now"

"Good news, indeed, friend Nabo. Let's clear those rocks and get out of here. I don't think I want to meet the Chakal if I Don't have to."

"Agreed, that is good news, let's keep this motley crew moving." Feigr cranes his neck around to make sure we're being watched or followed.

Perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Cynara frowns slightly. "Whose land is on the other side of the cairn, Nabo?"

Also, do we know where we are on the map, and has Dolgrym informed our patron of our adventure?