Anton Medvyed |
In the morning Anton wakes up early, to pray for new spells
The same ones as the day before
when he came back to the camp he also noticed the funny scene and half-smiled to the poor Natalya.
During the exploration Anton tries to assist CWE or whoever need his help in noticing odd things:
Perception aid another: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
When they reach the dead man and since Miyuki speech in Sylvan (which Anton can understand) he too suspected about some fey pranks, so he tries to identify from the scene if that could be something fey related
Kn Nature: Fey pranks?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Hope a 15 should be enough to understand something
Mardavig |
What happened with the woodsman is unclear, but perhaps once someone takes point on a perception check it will become clear.
Hunter Deadeye |
Hunter wants to find out how the man died, or at least how long he has been dead. He knows there were traps, but he hopes to gain more specifics. which requires a heal check
heal: 2 + 1d20 ⇒ 2 + (7) = 9
Anton Medvyed |
Perception on the dead man: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Anton nods to Miyuki and then replies something to her whispering:
"You are right, those are fey's pranks. But I don't think they will accept some honey directly from your hands. That is a good offer but we could left some gifts out in the night.
Some shiny bits or jewelry ... maybe alcohol or sugary foods.. even potions will be appropriate."
Anton also rises his voice speaking in Sylvan too
"I know you are here, mine friends. I know you could hear me. As a pious of the Old Deadeye, and a descendant of the Medvyed family who spent many centuries dealing with your kin I, Anton of the House Medvyed and the Church of Erastil, assure you that you don't have to fear me and mine friends.
But, for the powers of Nature I represent, I'm asking you to stop pranking us. We should be friend, and as a sign of friendship you must know that I'll leave you some precious shining coins and share some delicious food with you tonight."
Diplomacy vs Fey: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Speaking again in the common tongue to the rest of the party, without any explanation he adds:
"We should finish our daily exploration now, and then camp for the night.
While moving back to explore the rest of the forest Anton moves searching and gathering raspberries of other sugary food
Survival to gather: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Survival to find a campsite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
LOL...
So, I'm assuming he finds a lot of berries but not a good place to camp for the night.
Hunter Deadeye |
Hunter helps with whatever anton is doing.
survival aid food: 6 + 1d20 ⇒ 6 + (20) = 26
survival to aid find camp: 6 + 1d20 ⇒ 6 + (6) = 12
+2 bonus to both, food 31, so we find food for 11 people which means we have extras for tommorrow and camp is now a 13.
Mardavig |
Hunter examines the dead man and is 100% certain he died form being crushed by logs.
Anton looks it over and it seems like the man was building this trap when it suddenly collapsed on him. Upon closer examination this does not appear to have been some accident. It looks as though the ropes were severed by the bite of some small creature.
Also there is a masterwork hand axe stuck in a tree near the dead man.
The days exploring continues without any further incidents. You manage to find considerable game and that night you set up a great looking camp.
Anton Medvyed |
I'm assuming Anton had taken the axe, and gave it to whoever want to keep it. Natalya? CWE? Hunter? or just keep it as party loot to sell.
In the evening Anton share the gathered berries with all the party for dinner, but he also keeps an extra double ration for himself to use later.
Also around the campfire he discusses about the map and their progress and what to to the next day.
map update url
If I'm not mistaken we have no more forest left to west, so we can go SW to 01.03.
"So, we have to decide where to goes tomorrow, I'm for moving southwest. Agree?"
When the time to sleep comes he goes to bed in his tent.
But in the night Anton lefts as a gift the double ration of berries and also 3 sp of coins
Chief White Eagle |
OK, so, not sure on the whole sickness thing (was a bit confused there) thought there was some lingering disease effect from something. but oh well. getting back to the situation at hand, also no comment on the Natalya thing, I don't even know what is happening there can't find any post describing anything.
It was like CWE had vanished once the dead man was found. possibly off exploring. he soon returns as the group is setting up camp. having made sure the surrounding area is secure.
having had nothing to add concerning the dead man and the interactions there (also not understanding 50% of the conversations and not involved in another 20% I thought it best to just do a perimeter search ensureing a same campsite.
perception CWE: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
perception Elangomat: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
CWE has speak with animals (Eagles) always avialable to communicate with Elamgomat.
Natalya Artemisa |
Playing catchup, forgive the time segues
Natalya wakes up, and whilst initially not amused, she sees the funny side pretty quickly. Initially thinking that Miyuki is to blame, she becomes puzzled when Miyuki starts talking about other fey and shouting in to the woods. At seeing Miyuki offer some honey, Natalya says
Whilst I have a sense of humour and no doubt whoever this is they are having fun, if they live here could you tell them we are seeking a lost temple of Erastil? I see you are offering honey, I will offer my bottle of bladeberry cordial if that helps to trade for the information
Natalya thanks Anton for offering the handaxe, but she seems content with her greatsword for now, since Oleg's she has begun fashioning the crimson ribbon in to a cord of sorts, and is on the lookout for a trinket to entwine there and have dangling from the hilt.
Whilst grateful for Anton's providing of the berries, Natalya picks at them, no doubt wishing they were delicious meatballs instead.
I think heading South West is a good idea, shall we then sweep back eastwards and continue in that serpentine pattern of exploration Anton?
Anton Medvyed |
Anton nods to Natalya
"Yes, that's mine plan. Going back eastwards until the end of the forest, and then doing it again."
Mardavig |
Hunter looks at the rope and is unable to determine what kind of teeth might have broken the rope. Something small, around the size of a cat, with sharp teeth is all he can say for certain.
From where you are camping you can tell that heading west will take you out onto the plains again, which is not to say there is nothing out there. To the southwest there are more forests.
White Eagle secures the perimeter of your camp and ensures it is is secure.
That night is quiet and without issue the next morning Miyuki, Anton and Natalya all find their ‘gifts’ are gone.
When Hunter wakes he finds that his boots have been filled with water, and are completely soaked.
Similarly, when White Eagle rises he finds that his gear has been coated with dark berries, such that much of his gear is now stained a blackish-blue.
Hunter Deadeye |
As long as we find that boar and complete our mission. The mission always comes first, how you go about doing it doesn't matter as long as the plan works out well. I'm fine with any direction as long it is gets us one stop closer to our mission Hunters says this in a very strong, deep voice, think Sean Connery.
Matsu Miyuki |
Miyuki looks around and prepares for another day of exploring. Checking her saddlebelt twice she prepares for the next day. Instead of throwing away the rests of the breakfast she places them on a leaf as an offering.
I guess Miyuki will take cook duties. Hunter does some foraging, CWE is our scout, I really like the idea that we fall in our routines and work well together.
Mardavig |
You walked to your horse. Unless you slept in the saddle with your boots on, took your breakfast there, did your morning business there. There was a time when your feet touched the ground. At that time a noise was heard, the noise was a squelching noise often accompanying wet materials moving against and in proximity with each other. The source of the noise was Hunter's boots.
This does not cause any mechanical effects it is merely a prank.
And yes there are times when you must dismount your horse, even during the day. The forest has plenty of game trails but these are not paved paths. In an abstract sense there are times where you get down and lead your horses, if only to give you and them a rest. Neither your butt or a horse's back was made for a constant 8 hours or use
Anton Medvyed |
Seeing the squishing blue undine and the blackish-blue gear of the arcadian shaman Anton was unable to not laugh.
After few moments of hilarity he smiles to them adding:
"If I am not mistaken you two, mine friends, are victims of some kind of fey prank. I'll say some good kind of feys, not an evil ones like the Mites we already encountered."
Natalya Artemisa |
The usually reserved Natalya can't help but hide a smile at the sight of Hunter's squishing boots and the usually stoic Chief's face being all black and blue. She stifles a laugh.
I can see why less pleasant people might take issue with a friendly prank Miyuki she agrees it is perhaps a good way of separating out those with good-natured patience from those without!
Natalya is eager to get to the next hex area of forest, she feels exhilarated being back in nature away from civilisation, and this is shining through in her good mood.
Chief White Eagle |
White Eagle looks over his stuff. checking the important things that are sacred to him which appear unharmed. but he does have a small chuckle at the rest of his things.
he packs up everything and upon getting direction as to where they are headed. he sends Elangomat out to scout from the sky.
perception Elangomat: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Anton Medvyed |
After the prank digression and all the usual mourning routine Anton incites the rest of the group to begin their daily exploration.
This time while moving in the south-west area he puts himself in a leading position, hopping to be the first to eventually notice the Temple.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Mardavig |
As you explore this hex you find the forest becomes more wet, not so much as to be a swamp, but the water table is clearly a bit closer to the surface here. You are exploring along the Thorn river when you all (with the exceptions of Miyuki) notice a large creature watching you from a distance. It looks something like this
It is perhaps 9 feet tall and nearly 4 feet across at the shoulders. It seems to be made entirely out of plant matter. It appears to have caught sight of you and is watching you intently. It is perhaps 40 ft away from you. Nearby you can hear the rushing water of the river
Anton Medvyed |
@GM Mardavig: Are we still on horse back?
Because I have a bad feeling about this...
Anton tries to remember what kind of plant creature could look like this:
Kn Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 natural 20! I can't believe it! :)
Anton Medvyed |
Better being on horseback... always
That confirms mine bad feeling... Cause I already know it's one of the most TPK-maker of the first module of the AP...
In the RL game party I GM the PCs barely survived one :-D
Anyway, can I assume, having rolled a 28 vs a DC 16 (10 + CR) that Anton had identified the monster's abilities and weaknesses?
Anton reports to his team (in a tone like the one Gandalf had when he identified the Balrog... only less epic than the book/movie)
"It's a shambling mound a very dangerous creature! It's very strong, and hard to kill. We can avoid it by staying on horseback, if we go on-foot we could be doomed!"
Hunter Deadeye |
Hunter makes sure he is 120 feet from the creature, maximum range of heavy crossbow, gets off his horse and fires a crossbow bolt at it. attack: 4 + 1d20 ⇒ 4 + (20) = 24
damage: 1d10 ⇒ 6 Piercing damage
crit deck: 1d52 ⇒ 24 I don't know where to find the crit and fumbles deck by the way.
also heavy crossbows deal double damage on crits, so crit damage critdamage: 1d10 ⇒ 7 piercing damage. not sure if we are rolling for both crit damage and crit deck
Anton Medvyed |
Hunter, the link for crit is on campaign info, up in the left.
Anyway
Piercing 24 is: Blown Back - Double damage and target is knocked prone
Anton facepalms to Hunter attack (swift action, cause he is becoming used to his friend behavior like this :-D), casts Entangle to the mound (standard action) EDIT: For the GM it's DC 14 reflex to partial avoid it , and use his move action to ride Berego away from the mound as fast as possible
Ride: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Meanwhile he says to all the party:
"Stay away from its, and DON'T USE ELECTRICITY, NEVER! It's also resistant to fire! Damn, I have memorized 2 arrows spell I can't use he thought after saying this
Mardavig |
So you are standing there in a tense standoff with this creature. Hunter walks his horse 80 feet back, everyone breathes a sigh of relief, thinking that perhaps this is one battle that can be avoided. Then he dismounts, takes careful aim with his crossbow and fires at the creature 120 ft away from him, only 40 feet away from his allies. It is a hit and an incredibly precise one. The large creature is sent tumbling to the ground under the force of Hunter’s crossbow.
Initiative
After Hunter sends his quarry sprawling to the ground Anton casts entangle on the mound which, despite being made of plants, has no particular control over them, or ability to avoid this vegetable assault. He then, with a single move action left, rides his horse 50 towards Hunter while issuing his warning.
Everyone else, including Hunter again, gets to act before the shambling mound, because it not only rolled poorly on it’s stealth it also rolled even more poorly on it’s initiative. Although being knocked to the ground by a crossbow bolt has that effect on some plant creatures.
Hunter Deadeye |
Hunter reloads his crossbow. move action
And fire again. attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 possible damage: 1d10 ⇒ 10 attack action
Wow if that is a hit, 10 piercing damage, Hunter will have a surprised look on his face. He couldn't believe it, he was taking this thing down pretty quickly.
Matsu Miyuki |
Next step will be a silent image of a rider comming out of the forest attacking (BUT missing) the thing so that it will attack the figment.
The idea is simple that it will for one two rounds ignore us and stands up
DC 18 as soon as it hits the figment
Mardavig |
So miyuki pulls out a lump of wax, shapes it into a cricket, which begins rubbing it’s legs together to make the sound of a group of riders coming through the woods. Next round she’ll summon an illusory rider.
Natalya and white Eagle are up. The shambler is 40 ft away, and the entangle has a 40 ft radius, so the entangle comes right up to your feet.
Natalya Artemisa |
Glad of Anton's sharp eyes and knowledge of the dangerous creatures of the area, Natalya is about to suggest they move on quickly when Hunter fires his crossbow. Sitting still on her horse she is simply shocked for a moment.
To be warned of the danger, and attack anyway, without even talking to his team...
She snaps out of it and wheels her horse to face the group
There was no need to initiate hostility, you've given us no chance to prepare
She frowns, but seeing everyone else move in to a combat stance, reacts herself
DC5 ride check to guide horse with knees and use both hands in combat
ride: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
move action to draw bow, standard action to fire
composite longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
piercing: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Chief White Eagle |
White Eagle had remained out of the way, probably scouting somewhere else, but finding nothing, he returns to the group, alreadty engaged in combat with a creature.
rolling a d20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
identifying the creature White Eagle keeps his distance. it is restrained, we need to move on, it is beyond our ablity to battle. We can map the location and mark the trail so others will avoid it.