To Rule the Razor! (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Swanson

"Our lucky day then was finding you and your harpoon there. Whatever we do, we do together then."

"Just keep popping out of the shadows to gut them like you do, and I'll be there to make sure they are looking the other way" - Reknar nods as he passes by Aikane.

"I have no idea what you have there, but judging by Reknar's reaction I will take it as a good omen," Jacinth replies to Lani with a slight smile.

As the group readies to depart the clearing, Jacinth pauses at Rata's words, looking at Nef and Wedjat and then towards the trail leading back into the jungle. "No," she sighed. "No I am not sure. But if we wish to move these six to safety, we either drag them back through the jungle with us or send them with Nef and Wedjat one by one."

She looks at everyone and then back to the six on their litters. "I know that taking the trail is dangerous. We will be moving much slower than before and be at a disadvantage should we come under attack. However, I am loath to split us up if it can be avoided. If we send them back with Nef and Wedjat, they would be on their own should anything happen. And depending on how powerful our host may or may not be, I would not put it past him to try and take advantage of one or two of us out on our own. Unless Nef is willing and able to take such a risk, then I say we continue back the way we came."

Oren nods and grabs a load. "This isn't my favorite jungle pastime, that's for sure. But, we need these people safe, and the surest way to get them to safety is to cart them back ourselves. If we leave them lay here, who's to say that that mouthy demon won't punch into their minds and turn them against us? We need to get them out of here, even it will will take a while longer to make sure it's done right."

"Wedjat and I could cart them back to the ship, 1 or even 2 at a time. Starved as they are, with no gear, they'd be light enough," Nef says, assessing the rather catatonic young people. "That would take a number of trips. But it might be better to do the air lift than to row out with the whale still there. The demon was controlling him somehow. He was fighting it, but I don't know if we can count on that a second time, especially if the whale sees us leaving rather than trying to help it escape its bonds."

"Agreed Nefertiti - we move to the beach, and take it from there" - Reknar barks, moving to retrieve the first litter - "No action is certain of success, but sitting around without a decision will fail for sure - let's move!"

"Understood."

Nefertiti and Wedjat help pull the litters and the group heads out, keeping an eye out for trouble.

Nefertiti's Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Wedjat's Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Then we go," Jacinth nods, hefting one of the litters. "We should fall into the same marching order that we had on the way here, though perhaps Reknar should take point since moving quietly will be out of the question. It also might be useful to have Aikane either somewhere ahead of Reknar or somewhere behind us to watch for signs of trouble, whichever seems best."

I do not understand him in the least, but he seems to have the group's survival in mind. Best to take a light touch and let him operate as he sees fit.

Once the marching order is established and the group sets out, Jacinth does her best to keep her eyes and ears open for signs of trouble, whether it be further hiwani attacks or something else entirely.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

I know the Kraken needed a marching order; do we want to more or less keep the same one from earlier except with Reknar out front? Oren, Lani, and Nef/Wedjat should still probably keep to the middle...Jacinth can bring up the rear or perhaps be behind Reknar.

I'll keep my same marching order.

Sounds good to me, Cap'n.

All agreed!

Ditto

While the litters are being prepared, Aikane steps away to scout around the clearing as well as back down along the trail.
stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

He'll be out well ahead of the group scouting the dark path for danger and shortcuts.
stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
PerC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

I do not understand him in the least, but he seems to have the group's survival in mind. Best to take a light touch and let him operate as he sees fit.

Who? Me? :D

As Aikane heads off to scout ahead of the party, the rest of you hoist up the makeshift litters and proceed down the trail back the way you came. The progress is slow as while none of the near-comatose passengers resist being hauled around like a sack of potatoes, none of them help your progress either.

After a couple of hours of dragging these pour souls along you estimate you have only made it about halfway to the beach. As you haul your cargo along a noise beside you makes you pause. Too late you realize you are not alone as from each side of the trail, four hiwanis spring forth with a blood curdling scream catching all of you off guard.

Surprise Round:
Hiwani #1 Bite vs. Oren FF AC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 hit; Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (1) = 10 Oren takes 9 points of damage and 1 point of WIS damage. He must also make a Will save DC 13 or fall asleep.
Hiwani #2 Bite vs. 'Lani FF AC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 hit; Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (4) = 11 'Lani takes 6 points of damage and 4 point of WIS damage. He must also make a Will save DC 13 or fall asleep.
Hiwani #3 Bite vs. Nefertiti FF AC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 hit; Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (4) = 13 Nefertiti takes 9 points of damage and 4 points of WIS damage. She must also make a Will save DC 13 or fall asleep.
Hiwani #4 Bite vs. Jacinth FF AC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 hit; Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (4) = 12 hit. Jacinth takes 8 points of damage and 4 point of WIS damage. She must also make a Will save DC 13 or fall asleep.

The ambush works perfectly as Oren, 'Lani, Nefertiti and Jacinth all feel the bite of the hiwanis sink into their flesh and also their will being sapped by their wounds.

Time check 1425 hours. Day 7.

As you are completely caught off balance by the suddeness of the attack, you are too slow to respond as they press their attacks on you...

Round 1: Hiwanis, Aikane, Wedjat, 'Lani, Jacinth, Oren, Nefertiti, Rata Fenn, Reknar.

I will pause here for player saves here before continuing the ambush.

Oops...slight correction here. As Elves are immune to the magical sleep effects, Jacinth does not need to save here.

Will save DC13: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10 Fail goddammit...

Nefertiti Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Nefertiti doesn't even have time to scream before she falls asleep.

Will 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

The hiwanis do not let up their attack here. Seeing Oren has not succumbed to the magical sleep the lead hiwani launches into a ferocious assault, joined by his companion as they team up on the Kamu Tulitan.

Hiwani #1 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24 hit; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Hiwani #1 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 hit; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Hiwani #1 Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 hit; damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
.
Hiwani #2 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Hiwani #2 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Hiwani #2 Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14; damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Oren barely has time to scream before their claws and teeth rend his body to pieces. Oren takes 52 points of damage and is at -11 hp and dying.

As the shoanti is overtaken by the magical slumber the other two hiwanis turn to face the elf noblewoman and step forward to attack!

Hiwani #3 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 hit; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Hiwani #3 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 hit; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Hiwani #3 Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 hit; damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
.
Hiwani #4 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Hiwani #4 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Hiwani #4 Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25; damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

While Jacinth is able to twist out of the way of a pair of claws, she too succumbs to the assault and falls to the ground bleeding heavily. Jacinth takes 34 points of damage and is at -5 HP and dying.

Round 1: Hiwanis, Aikane, Wedjat, 'Lani (asleep), Jacinth (dying), Oren (dying), Nefertiti (asleep), Rata Fenn, Reknar.

Those players who are dying need to give me stabilize checks (a DC 10 CON check with a penalty on this roll equal to his negative hit point total. Also do not forget you do have Hero points.

As she feels the first bite sink into her flesh, Jacinth barely has enough time to realize that she may have doomed them all before she drops in a flurry of sharp claws, teeth, and blood.

Stabilization Check: 1d20 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 5 = 15

Though unconscious and breathing shallowly, the elf's wounds seem to clot quickly and her bleeding stops, for now.

Where did THEY come from?
Wedjat charges Hiwani #3, the one who bit Nef.

"SCREEEEE!"

If Nef or Lard Butt dies, you will see me REALLY angry.

Powerful Charge: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Damage: 4d6 + 20 ⇒ (6, 2, 2, 2) + 20 = 32

Right Talon: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Left Talon: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Wedjat charges the Hiwani, shredding him with both talons in a furious rage.

Nef can't give him orders, but I think that it is more than reasonable to have him obliterate the one that bit her and to his eyes, possibly killed her.

Oren is going to delay until the end of our actions, hoping one or more of the baddies might get picked off.

He scolded himself for not having expected this - as the hiwani burst from cover to lay hard onto them he felt it, more than seeing it, but it was too late.

He heard the growling and screaming coming up from behind him, and when the man turned around, things looked dire indeed, with almost half of his companions already down.

"So that's how its going to be then?" - he spat - "I was intent on giving you half a chance, being controlled by a demon or some such, but that's over now - lets see who comes out on top, shall we?!" - his last words were punctuated by a smooth movement for a man his size, as he drops the litter, releases the bardiche from its place at his back, and swings it around at he closest opponent.

"Rata! That end is yours, since Wedjat already made short work of the first one's guts - you holding it?!" - he shouts while attacking.

Attacking G:9

Bardiche: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Damage if it hits: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

"Why don't you come fight someone your own size?" - he taunts his enemy.

"Aikane, you've got ONE chance for positioning - do it now, or start blazing!" - he continues barking.

Aikane moves southeast into the brush off the trail as far as he can. He attempts to slip around Hiwani number 1.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Aikane, Heavy undergrowth costs 4 squares of movement to move into each square, so in order to make it to H9 it would take 2 rounds of full movement. You can make it to F10 this round without provoking an AoO. Let me know which square you wish to end up in.

Aikane slips into the underbrush as fast as his body can carry him, looking for an opportune moment to strike. Wedjat does not have that problem as he shreds one of the hiwanis to pieces. Reknar steps forward and swings his bladed polearm at the hiwani threatening Oren, wounding him.

When Jacinth collapses under the assault of the hiwani, Rata Fenn screams in grief and rage. "AHHHHHHH....NOOOOO!!!" He drops the litter and steps forward, his blade spinning in a whirling frenzy of death. His dagger bites into the creatures flesh deeply causing blood to fountain all over the jungle floor.

Melee mwk dagger: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Damage: 1d4 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 5 = 16
Crit?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31 yes.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 Total 27 points.

Round 1: Hiwanis, Aikane, Wedjat, 'Lani (asleep), Jacinth (unconscious, stable), Nefertiti (asleep), Rata Fenn, Reknar, Oren (prone).

Oren will delay yet again, hoping the standing threats will draw the ire of the hiwanis.

I'm chicken...if I get hit with an AoO, chances are pretty good I'm dead. If I get lucky and they ignore me, I can try to help next round.

f10

Oren, go full defense? ;)

Full defense sounds good. Lard butt, don't die! Who will I make fun of if you do?

Full defense is fine. I'll do that. I'm hoping the more threatening of us get attacked, however! Cross your fingers...

Uhhh...point of order here: If Oren declares Full defense here the hiwanis WILL know he is still alive...just sayin'...

See, that's what I was concerned about. If that is the case, then I will not take a full defense action. As low as my AC is, 4 more is not going to matter, I'd wager.

Oren wisely decides to play dead, praying the hiwanis do not discover his deception.

The hiwanis press their attack ferociously, one stepping to engage Reknar...

Hiwani #1 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 hit; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Hiwani #1 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 hit; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Hiwani #1 Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 hit; damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

...with one claw raking into the mercenary's side. Reknar takes 11 points of damage.

The second one advances towards the Haast Eagle and takes a swipe at it, missing badly.

Hiwani #2 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 hit; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The remaining one unleashes his fury on Rata Fenn, who tries to parry the blows...

Hiwani #4 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 hit; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Reknar Parry #1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 fail; Panache 2/3.
Hiwani #4 Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 miss; damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Reknar Parry #2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 n/a; Panache 1/3.
Hiwani #4 Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 hit; damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Rata Fenn takes 16 points of damage and...Will DC 13: 1d20 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 3 = 13 does not fall asleep. Charmed Life 2/3.

Unfortunately he is not able to keep one of the claws from savaging him, the feral creature's bite tears into his arm. He feels the magical slumber starting to take hold and barely manages to stave it off. Och! It be their bite that causes th' sleep!

Round 2: Hiwanis, Aikane, Wedjat, 'Lani (asleep), Jacinth (unconscious, stable), Nefertiti (asleep), Rata Fenn, Reknar, Oren (prone).

"Screeeee!"
So you like to scratch and bite? So do I!

Wedjat full attacks the hiwani that appeared in front of it.

Hover Flight Check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Right Talon: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Left Talon: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"Screeeee!"
Ugh. You taste TERRIBLE.

Unfortunately, this time he does not shred the monster, only hurts it.

My bad oh Mighty Kraken, but I just realized my last attack was a critical threat - would it be ok to roll the confirmation now? If so:

Critical?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Additional damage if it crits: 2d10 + 24 ⇒ (3, 5) + 24 = 32

If by any chance that downs him, then sweet, as it will mean Reknar does not take the 11hp of damage. For his next action, he would move to I:8, and flank the one in K:9 with Wedjat (use the same attack as below?). Otherwise:

------------

"That's it, you motherless bas$#rd - come to me" - Reknar growls away the pain from the claw rip on his side - "But now that you've bitten, you'll learn I'm not that easy to swallow", the man grins, swerving around the litter, to align the unwary savage between himself and Aikane, even knowing he risks an attack as the price for the risky move.

With a sure step, he comes about, bringing the polearm to bear in a downward chop, aimed at the creature's collar bone.

Move to F:6 - Mobility gives me +4 to AC. Attacking F:9

Bardiche, Flank: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20
Damage if it hits: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Delaying to see what happens with baddie number one. Don't want to provoke an AoO by doing anything rash.

Reknar: That attack will crit and kill the hiwani in front of you...using your current attack roll on the hiwani in K9.

Reknar cleaves the hiwani in front of him in two then springs forward to finish off the one threatening Wedjat, who tears into it without mercy. The mercenary's blow is more than enough to kill it. Rata Fenn continues his attack against the lone hiwani...

Reknar Melee mwk dagger: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Damage: 1d4 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 5 = 17
Hit; Panache 1/3, Charmed Life 2/3.

...and with an expert thrust of his blade he sends the last hiwani to the ground as it gurgles its last breath.

Soon all is quiet once again.

COMBAT OVER!

Wedjat lands next to Nef, and then looks plaintively at Reknar.

"Screee?"

What do we do now?

"Damned sneaky sons of a dog" - Reknar roars wild eyed, still in combat mode - "How many of them are there, anyway?" - he adds, looking around for further enemies, as if fully expecting more of them to jump at him from within the foliage.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

"You guys surely know how to handle yourselves, I'll give you that" - he speaks to those still standing - "I got a lucky blow there Aikane, but I was already smiling at how your daggers would wreck him next" - he chuckles - "And you gotta show me that dagger grip Rata... I've never seen them wielded like that" - the man nods, then addressing the mighty eagle - "Not sure if you understand me but that was very well done. Thanks... Wed Jat, right?"

The warrior moves toward the wizard to ascertain his condition - "Are you well Oren? Smart move there. For a moment I thought you were going to try something foolish" - he questions - "We need to see to the others" - he stares at his fallen comrades for a moment - "Unless you know anything about healing, give me a safe perimeter Rata and Aikane. I'll take a look at them. Wedjat, stand watch ok? Eyes, ears and talons. Rip anything that's not us" - he finishes, starting to look his companions over.

Untrained Heal to check if they are dead/alive/stable?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Screee!"

I'll shred them all!

Wedjat takes overwatch, looking for trouble.

Reknar examines the fallen companions quickly and determines Oren is very badly wounded HP: 2/52 but alive. Jacinth is also unconscious and barely alive... HP: -5 and stable. but she is still breathing.

'Lani and Nefertiti, while bearing wounds from the hiwanis, do not seem numerous to cause them to lose unconsciousness. They also don't respond from the warriors's noise while examining them. He is able to determine they are asleep, and it looks to be magically induced.

Wedjat does not see any signs of hostile creature nearby, though admittedly his range of vision is limited by the thick canopy of trees overhead.

Oren continues to lay on his backside, breathing heavily. "Did anyone see that auroch that ran me over? I guess I'm lucky to still be breathing," he grumbles as he holds out an outstretched arm to be pulled to his feet.

"Look at all the blood...oh well, at least it's mine," he weakly jokes. "Thank you everyone for saving me. They were on me before I even realized it.". He reached for his neck, and found only dusty residue, realizing that his protective magic had been used.

Dammit, I hoped that would last me longer!

He pulls one of his CLW potions and drinks it right down.

CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

He then pats Wedjat on the head. "Good job, big chicken. How's your girl doing," he asks as he goes to look at Nef, Jacinth, and Lani.

"I can feed the Captain a CLW potion. Anyone else have another in case it's not enough? I'm afraid the other two are going to have to sleep it off...we've all been there."

Oren you get back three more hit points. That CLW potion was made by Lani, a fourth level alchemist.

_________________

"Screee!?"

My girl's still asleep. Why's she still asleep?"

"I still have the two provided by Ke'ahilani" - Reknar answers - "At least we should try to get the Captain back on her feet. I'll give her one of mine, since I was not wounded" - the man adds, moving closer to Jacinth, and carefully administering the healing concoction.

Ke'ahilani CLW: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

BOOM!

"Screee!?"

"We just need a little patience now - the others should be coming to in a few minutes" - Reknar finds himself chuckling at the fact that he is answering a screech - "I hope"

As Reknar carefully pours the healing mixture down the elven woman's throat, the most serious of her injuries mend and close, though several ugly wounds still remain. Jacinth's eyes flutter open and she blinks confusedly as she finds herself staring at the jungle canopy and Reknar's form bent over her. "Wha...?" she mumbles as she continues to stare at the trees and branches overhead. Suddenly, her eyes widen and she bolts upward to a sitting position as she appears to fumble for her dagger. After a moment however, the fog in her mind seems to clear and she looks up at the rest of the group. "We...we're alive? We're alive!" she gasps. Then, her gaze falls on the still forms of Nef and Lani laying nearby and her face turns nearly as pale as it was when she was in danger of bleeding out moments earlier.

"No...no, no, no..." she murmurs with a shake of her head as she attempts to pull herself to her feet and move to her fallen crew members. "They are not dead, are they? They cannot be dead!"

"They're fine Captain - just taking a longer than usual nap" - Reknar retorts with a grin - "They should be up and about in no time" - he adds - "We're gonna have to wait it out though, before getting on the move again"

Without much ceremony, he observes Jacinth from top to bottom - "I've got another pot you could take. Or should we perhaps wait and see if Nefertiti can do something about those wounds?"

"I'd say we use that potion. If we get more visitors before the others wake up, we are going to be in an awful spot."

Meanwhile, Nefertiti dreams.

There’s drumbeats, and music, and a sickly sweet smell that hangs in the air. Senegar’s hands with their long fingers are roaming all over her.

"NO!”

"They sure are taking long to wake up - Oren may be right Captatin, if we end up waiting for long, they may spring on us again" - the man nods - "You have any of these on you?" - he gestures to her with the healing pot in hand.

While they wait, he occasionally checks on his sleeping companions, but grabs the opportunity to drag the dead hiwanis away, and search them for any valuables - "I'm sure as hell not leaving this place with nothing to show for it" - he grumbles - "And why the heck are people just falling asleep left and right, after being attacked by these bast$%ds..?" - he wonders, also checking their hands, nails and teeth.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

"Anything on sight?" - he asks at regular intervals from both Rata and Aikane - "You boys need to keep me up to date, and report back every once in a while, or we'll be blind as bats over here"