"Problem with them warragers is they ne'er listen...." the senior dwarf grumbles.
Karek ignores Breach's call and dives beneath the Fog Cloud, while the magic that enhances his aquatic awareness lasts. He will once again set his spear.
Got it! This now occurs.
With his darkvision, Karek can see all the way to the bottom. He can make out the rift and see the corpse he left behind. There's still a lot brown crap swirling near the bottom, but not enough to hide a giant hydra. If Kogan turns his head above him, he sees where the water terminates and then it's like a lead lined-wall - he can't see through the fog above behind him at all.
Technically Karek could also attempt the checks to read the spoiler tag I recently left for Donkor, but I think Karek lacks the ranks in Knowledge (planes) and it's untrained only.
Kogan does not see the light Donkor referred to earlier.
If nothing changes, when Touch of the Sea expires (in... four rounds?), he will emerge from the water and stand down.
Close! 3 rounds (2 more once this round ends) by my count. This is round 4, but there were 3 rounds of high-speed swimming to the rift. Karek will be able to sense when the magic is giving way and can easily return to land on his last round with a move action - assuming something hasn't otherwise engaged his attention.
"You may be right, Master Breach," Gandel agrees with the dwarf's assessment. "I suggest we get while the gettin's good!"
With a double move, Gandel can cross the span of the beach and reach the edge of the dunes. With his Tiny size, they appear like rather intimidating mountains of sand. (No actual game effect though - he's still got that 30 foot movement rate.) Gandel is now 80 feet from the shoreline of the oasis.
I will assume our 'elf' will have to leave the Santa Claus bag behind as it's too heavy for him to haul.
That leaves Moon and Hurgah next, before Deca-Jaws.
The two twins are evening sharing an initiative count. Perhaps they will soon start dressing alike.
Hurgah looks bit confused when Karak plunges back into the water, but without an enemy in sight and with no ability to move or breathe underwater, he remains at the waters edge.
Hurgah looks bit confused when Karak plunges back into the water, but without an enemy in sight and with no ability to move or breathe underwater, he remains at the waters edge.
Got it. And claws sheathed this round?
Still no sign of the hydra. . . Perhaps the Pharasman is right after all, maybe Deca-Jaws no longer wants anything to do with the Dune Squad.
Hurgah looks bit confused when Karak plunges back into the water, but without an enemy in sight and with no ability to move or breathe underwater, he remains at the waters edge.Got it. And claws sheathed this round?
Let's bring in the claws and break out the axe.
"Problem with them warragers is they ne'er listen...." the senior dwarf grumbles.
Breach is up - I've got him currently holding an action to attack once the hydra comes in range of the shore. Stay with that? Or modify?
Morgrum watches Gandel and Karek head in opposite directions while Moonpate and Breach each seem to be trying to rally the party to enact two seemingly opposite strategies.
He grips his holy symbol with his usual dour look.
Belleson flies in a broad arc sailing over the oasis. He answer's Breach's call making his way to the Southern oasis shore, safely behind the defensive line of the three giants (Hurgah, Hal and Breach). As an after thought he then rockets back up into the air hoping to get a better view of his surroundings.
Now, in my exuberance Moonpate has gotten skipped and he can jump in anytime - perhaps even going twice as his turn will come around again very soon. I should also clarify Breach's turn, if my assumption that he is delaying is wrong, we can still have him act.
Our order is now shaping up to be:
Plus:
Karek Kogan on readied action
Hurgah the Reaver on readied action
Breach Shattershield on delay
Halstadt Morgrym on delay
If their is still no sign of Deca-Jaws at the portal, I will turn my clairvoyance to the shiny thing in the oasis now please.
Which is always appreciated and why Breach is such a favorite around these parts.
If their is still no sign of Deca-Jaws at the portal, I will turn my clairvoyance to the shiny thing in the oasis now please.
Sooron continues standing alone on the beach, his eyes still closed in concentration.
Meanwhile deep below, his true vision acquires a new focal point, this time at the mouth of the jagged crevasse at the bottom of the oasis floor.
He only views it briefly, but even in the few seconds Donkor confirms what he needs to know. He appears to have found the hydra's treasure cache. It looks as though the creature collects things that shine and glow (not unlike say, your average adventurer.) Donkor thinks he spies fiery gems and a scattered collection of jewelry, each lit with its own internal light. Although he swore his treasure hunting days were behind him after his earlier adventure in the Pyramid of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension, Donkor still suspects that glowing treasure underwater that appears immune to rust is a very good sign.
The flooded cave itself descends only ten feet or so into the rock.
----------
Moon will stay 30 feet back from the shore and his protector, waiting to see what develops
Donor continues to speak as his distant vision takes in the glittery splendor, "Deca-Jaws seems to have himself quite a treasure trove down there. However I'm with Breach, not sure if we should risk this battle. Pharasma did decree that one of us would die."
Gandel sits down for a rest on the dunes, waiting to see what his companions decide to do.
With Moon and Gandel going on delay that takes us to Deca-Jaws--
--who again fails to make an appearance.
"Ha!" shouts Jason triumphantly. "I guess old lizard breath really has had enough."
And:
Karek Kogan on readied action;
Hurgah the Reaver on readied action;
Breach Shattershield on delay;
Halstadt Morgrym on delay;
Gandelplot Trapspringer on delay;
Moonpate the Potentate on delay; and
Jason Belleson on delay.
So! Donkor and possibly Deca-Jaws appear to be the only ones left executing live turns. Donkor is up again. If Donkor delays I'll take us out of initiative for simplicity's sake and tick off time by estimation. But if Donkor still wants to take independent actions, this still works, the turns will just go fast.
If anyone comes off delay, just let me know. I believe Karek will cancel his readied action and now swim for shore as his touch of the sea expires at the end of this turn.
Donkor will try and study the treasure a bit closer, see if he can learn anything else about the horde.
If anyone comes off delay, just let me know. I believe Karek will cancel his readied action and now swim for shore as his touch of the sea expires at the end of this turn.
"Once Karek exits the water we should exit the area. Donkor and I have both spent our mightiest spells keeping us breathing and this battle avails us nothing".
Donkor will try and study the treasure a bit closer, see if he can learn anything else about the horde.
Donkor’s mystic vision winks out a second time. Donkor summons his mental reserves and brings it forth a third time, this time positioning his field of vision within the cave itself as close to the glittering treasures as possible.
He quickly discovers “horde” is perhaps not the right word. There are gems, but not terribly many. It is the softly illuminated jewelry that is of most interest – and beauty. Although not necessarily a set, the pieces all appear similar in origin and design. There is a necklace, a golden arm band, a strangely sized ring of some sort, and at least few others resting in the nooks and crannies of the crevasse.
Donkor recognizes the insignia appearing on some of the pieces in the jewelry collection. It is the insignia of the Star Tribe – the janni tribe to which Faren and Orchid belong. Donkor quickly puts two and two together and recalls that the janni used to pass through the Tumen gate for many years until Deca-Jaws moved in and made it too perilous. It would appear some of the tribe probably lost their lives and their possessions have been horded here.
<---- Picture of me as me dentist say "Oben Wibe!"
And:
Hurgah the Reaver on readied action;
Breach Shattershield on delay;
Halstadt Morgrym on delay;
Gandelplot Trapspringer on delay;
Moonpate the Potentate on delay; and
Jason Belleson on delay.
As Karek surfaces, he seems to slump slightly, the wind out of his sails. He moves for the bag of stuff and begins to pull out his weapons, though they look like pitiful toys in his hands. Thinking better of it, he hoists the whole bag and begins to trudge out of the Oasis.
"Moonpate were you able to recover all of our gear?"
Donkor will go on delay and drop out of initiative as well. "I'm for going, but there is some interesting looking treasure at the bottom of that pond. Anyone think we should try for it?"
OK guys,
I'm ending initiative/combat at round 9. People can just post their actions as they like, once more. There's still a huge amount of assorted spell durations floating around so I'll try to keep track of time.
Congrats on your victory, be it ever so anti-climactic.
----------
As the touch of the sea scrolls - not to be confused with the dead sea scrolls - wear off, you feel a strange sensation in your legs and wrists as they begin to re-adapt to their original use. The oasis water appears much more intimidating than before. It's as though it were suddenly deeper and darker. At the same time, the sand beneath your feet feels more welcoming and stable. It's good to be home.
"Moonpate were you able to recover all of our gear?"
Thank the elements you are all alive and well. Schmoosh did not lead us astray in helping reunite us, though I am overjoyed to find out that his statement regarding your demise as some beast's supper has proven false.
As to everyone's gear, we did indeed manage to grab it all, including that traitor Thalia's; though we are unfortunately without our trusty mounts. Still, as my master once said, "Tis better to be trudging on foot than riding on the finest flying carpet when the ill winds blow from the backsides of giants." I think such aphorisms are best appreciated after a cask or two...speaking of which, you didn't happen to bring some with you to ease the storytelling that must take place, preferably away from this accursed oasis.Donkor will go on delay and drop out of initiative as well. "I'm for going, but there is some interesting looking treasure at the bottom of that pond. Anyone think we should try for it?"
"Treasure?!? Is it possible that a bit o' fortune might actually come our way to ease the pains of these last two miserable days? Can it be retrieved? It appears that Karek has slain or driven off whatever foul creature guards it.
Knowledge: Planes
"It appears the the treasure is accessible. No sign of guards, or obvious traps. But finding traps is not my forte." Sooron will share everything he has seen and surmised about the treasure. The spoiler is as follows:
"Donkor recognizes the insignia appearing on some of the pieces in the jewelry collection. It is the insignia of the Star Tribe – the janni tribe to which Faren and Orchid belong. Donkor quickly puts two and two together and recalls that the janni used to pass through the Tumen gate for many years until Deca-Jaws moved in and made it too perilous. It would appear some of the tribe probably lost their lives and their possessions have been horded here."
When will someone finally leave me instructions to use their PC's skills to hinder the party?
Come back soon Bilbo!
When will someone finally leave me instructions to use their PC's skills to hinder the party?
Come back soon Bilbo!
Sooron will share everything he has seen and surmised about the treasure.
Jason swoops down to try to fill in Moonpate and Hurgah as to the significance of the Star Tribe.
"The only reason we're here instead of still stuck in water world is that Schmoosh hooked us up with two Janni from the Star Tribe. They, and their giant swim-beast, whatever it was exactly, got us back here."
When will Hurgah/Jace vanish inexplicably for a couple weeks? That's all I need really. I'd take real good care of him.
When will Hurgah/Jace vanish inexplicably for a couple weeks? That's all I need really. I'd take real good care of him.
"Master Moonpate! Hurgah! It's wonderful to see you again!" Gandel exclaims when it becomes clear that the party is not about to be attacked by a massive aquatic hydra with detachable, ambulatory heads.
"Shall we set out a picnic here to celebrate? Or should we move to a more defensible position first? And where exactly are we? Are we very far from the dig site?"
Sooron will share everything he has seen and surmised about the treasure.Jason swoops down to try to fill in Moonpate and Hurgah as to the significance of the Star Tribe.
"The only reason we're here instead of still stuck in water world is that Schmoosh hooked us up with two Janni from the Star Tribe. They, and their giant swim-beast, whatever it was exactly, got us back here."
"It would be a great boon indeed to recover such treasures of the fabled Star Tribe, either for their potent use or as gifts of gratitude to be returned should the opportunity present itself. But perhaps the time is not right to attempt a retrieval if the magical means for getting down to the cave has worn off. A true pity, since it would seem that this horrible Deca-Jaws is currently elsewhere. Surely, if we return, it will be a menace to deal with once again."
"If we cannot attempt the treasure hoard, we should leave with haste and find a defensible position amongst the dunes. We will need to bring as much water as possible with us. By summoned steed, we are a hard day's ride from the dig site. By foot, probably several days. And we must not forget that we are probably still being hunted by those devilish splitting hound beasts and who knows how many crazed monks. Ahh, though we gave them quite the slip, eh friend Hurgah? Come, we will swap stories whilst finding camp."
"It would be a great boon indeed to recover such treasures of the fabled Star Tribe, either for their potent use or as gifts of gratitude to be returned should the opportunity present itself.
"You're my kind of people Moon - willing to look out for a friend and pick up some loot - never a mutually exclusive concept."
"But perhaps the time is not right to attempt a retrieval if the magical means for getting down to the cave has worn off. A true pity, since it would seem that this horrible Deca-Jaws is currently elsewhere. Surely, if we return, it will be a menace to deal with once again."
I think we still got a few minutes on the water breathing and I can always fly through the water so locomotion is not an issue. But I don't know where I'd be looking, I'd need help with that - and are we really sure that Deca-Jaws is gone?"
I think we still got a few minutes on the water breathing and I can always fly through the water so locomotion is not an issue. But I don't know where I'd be looking, I'd need help with that - and are we really sure that Deca-Jaws is gone?"
Breach buries his head in his giant hands. "You want to go back for genie-baubles?!"
"Anyone else notice how every time we get close to this dig site we fall upon some distraction?"
Well sure - if you want big sopping Beetle tears on your conscience.
Seriously though, I'd understand if the thought of returning to face the Asmodeus monks was to much for the big guy, but I hope you stick it out!
"I'm not sure Deca-Jaws is gone, but with your flying we should be able to go down there in a hurry to fetch the things. I guess we may as well give it a try. I'm still tiny. If you carry me down to guide you, we can grab the stuff and be gone in a hurry!"
"I'm not sure Deca-Jaws is gone, but with your flying we should be able to go down there in a hurry to fetch the things. I guess we may as well give it a try. I'm still tiny. If you carry me down to guide you, we can grab the stuff and be gone in a hurry!"
"Best be quick then, whilst my elemental friend is still around to intercept this Deca-Jaws."
Jason ignores Breach's words of caution, happy that Donkor is in agreement to take a shot at the treasure.
"Best be quick then, whilst my elemental friend is still around to intercept this Deca-Jaws."
"Oh! Good point. Have him cover our backs!"
As Hal is out of initiative at the moment he will head to the sack and rummage through to see if his Greataxe was retrieved.
The enlarged Hurgah upends the sack, spilling the last items on the sand.
"Welcome back from wherever you have been, friends. From the smell, I'd say somewhere unpleasant. I think we managed to bring all of your trinkets from the red tent."