Realizing that his cantrip won't work on the cold resistant plant Pakak goes for more of a utility use for the spell and just tries to distract the plant with the ball of ice instead of trying to damage it. Hurling at a tentacle he hopes to just cause a distraction for someone else to exploit. DC: 10
Likewise Samantha is running out of abilities as well. Resorting to the basics she takes her glaive and moves beside Maelchar to threaten the plant and possibly land a blow on the creature. for damage
Zeriax manages to just avoid a tentacle as he dodges out of the rach of the mandragora. The close call though sent a chill down his normally collected spine causing a miss with his arrow.
Garith swings with gusto but the effort is in vain as both blows miss. The paladin maybe is suffering from the blood loss and is having trouble hitting in the fight?
Bottom of Round 3
The mandragora steps out of flank again and continues to go after the paladin. If the paladin would drop then the rest of the group would be bereft of its armored ally and be at the plants mercy surely. Of course the plant doesn't know this. It is just going after the target of the voice.
bite for and grab for con damage
tentacle 1 for and DC 17 fort save or fatigued and confused
tentacle 2 for and DC 17 fort save or fatigued and confused
Alas for the plant the armor and shield of the paladin save him once again from any damage.
Meanwhile Samantha's nosebleed has covered the front of her armor in a glorious bright red as she takes another subdual damage.
Good guys up, the plant is looking worse as the damage little by little is piling up
Maelchar 5' steps to C3, and readies an action to attack as soon as Garith moves into flank on the plant with him.
Coordinating their strikes Garith slices off one tentacle and bashes the other aside as Maelchar steps up and delivers the fatal blow to the creature dropping to the ground to rot among the rest of the vegetation.
"Quick search of the basement here? Then we can be fitted for our new clothes and head back to headquarters." Maelchar casts detect magic and scans the room in all directions, doing a visual as well as magical search.
Pakak casts Detect magic, grunting in agreement that a job was well done.
Outside of the intricate device on the top of the desk the only other item of note is the chest sitting where a chair should normally reside. Pakak you notice nothing magical in the rest of the room except for what each character has on them. The chest is blocking your detection though and needs to be opened for you to find out if anything magical is in there.
Maelchar examines the chest for traps.
If he spots one, he attempts to disable it...
Maelchar you do not notice any traps on the chest nor is it locked once you finally examine it. Opening it up you see a folded peice of paper with 5 symbols of Iomedae. Opening the note you see immaculate writing. "We don't need these anymore, but figured if you survived our surprise, it would be rude to leave behind an empty chest for your troubles. The crusaders we took these off of don't need them any more either."
Pakak , continuing your detections you do not see any magical auras coming from the inside of the chest or its contents.
"There are no more eldritch energies that I can sense." the dwarf states , still looking a bit green.
The vapor is from a magic item called a bilious bottle, CL 5, 500gp
A bilious b o ttle appears to be a tightly stoppered container of water. It can be thrown as a splash weapon. When a bilious b o ttle is opened or shatters, the foul fluid inside immediately expands into a 30-foot-radius cloud of noxious vapors. These vapors are invisible, but any creature within the area of effect of the cloud must succeed at a DC 14 Fortitude saving throw at the start of its turn or suffer one of the following random effects. The vapors created by a bilious bottle dissipate after 1 minute, or automatically if exposed to anything more than a moderate wind. The vapors created by a bilious bottle are a poison effect.
d8 Result
The subject takes 1d6 points of acid damage.
2 The subject's eyes glow red for 2 hours, during which time it gains darkvision out to 30 feet.
3 The subject takes 1d6 points of fire damage.
4 The subject develops wheezing, labored breathing for 2 hours, which imposes a -2 penalty on Stealth checks.
5 The subject takes 1d6 points of cold damage.
6 The subject develops a persistent nosebleed, taking 1d4 points nonlethal damage every round for 1 minute
7 The subject takes 1d6 points of electricity damage.
8 The subject experiences a persistent adrenaline rush.
For the next 2 hours, subject receives a +2 bonus on Initiative checks but takes a -2 penalty on Dexterity based skill checks due to uncontrollable trembling.
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Garith's clenched fists shake in anger at the sight of the note. He silently takes the holy symbols and places them in a closed pouch. taking a breath he adds, "These can be brought to the camp. There we can properly honor the sacrifice of these fallen crusaders." taking a breath, he adds, But we have succeeded in clearing this safehouse and saved innocents here from demons. Zeriax, is there anything here hidden here? Pakak, any rituals that would take sacrifices of five, or would make use of these symbols?"
v evil
Give me a fort save please Ina spoiler. Now going to bed.
As you pick up the holy symbols there seems to be some moisture on them. After handling them for a few seconds your fingers start to tingle and you realize the moisture is actually a poison designed to numb the body and induce paralysis. You resistthenefforts of the poison though before it can take hold of you.
Well fought my valiant companions! Samantha compliments her allies. []BNow for that dress![/B] she adds with a smile.
Zeriax nods at Samantha's compliment, though he cannot feel satisfied that so many of his arrows missed its mark. Still, they have been victorious, and this is what matters.
"We need to move away from these vapours - perhaps they will dissipate, then giving us a chance to search this area further?" - he adds, moving to the stairs.
"I don't think there's anything left here to find... detect magic brings forth no auras and there are no ore boxes, chests, or other containers. Let's head back to the Heart and see about selling more gear and maybe buying some as well"
Pakak tells the others of the Billious Bottle somewhere here, and open...
The vapor is from a magic item called a bilious bottle, CL 5, 500gp
A bilious b o ttle appears to be a tightly stoppered container of water. It can be thrown as a splash weapon. When a bilious b o ttle is opened or shatters, the foul fluid inside immediately expands into a 30-foot-radius cloud of noxious vapors. These vapors are invisible, but any creature within the area of effect of the cloud must succeed at a DC 14 Fortitude saving throw at the start of its turn or suffer one of the following random effects. The vapors created by a bilious bottle dissipate after 1 minute, or automatically if exposed to anything more than a moderate wind. The vapors created by a bilious bottle are a poison effect.
d8 Result
The subject takes 1d6 points of acid damage.
2 The subject's eyes glow red for 2 hours, during which time it gains darkvision out to 30 feet.
3 The subject takes 1d6 points of fire damage.
4 The subject develops wheezing, labored breathing for 2 hours, which imposes a -2 penalty on Stealth checks.
5 The subject takes 1d6 points of cold damage.
6 The subject develops a persistent nosebleed, taking 1d4 points nonlethal damage every round for 1 minute
7 The subject takes 1d6 points of electricity damage.
8 The subject experiences a persistent adrenaline rush.
For the next 2 hours, subject receives a +2 bonus on Initiative checks but takes a -2 penalty on Dexterity based skill checks due to uncontrollable trembling.
"We need to get the hell out of the vapor."
The fumes dissipate and the group finishes clearing out the room only to find nothing of valu but the statuette there. Retracing their steps they arrive back to the Heart where they give the pass phrase to a eastern woman with unusual armor and weapons. Samantha has see this woman before at the Heart but never really stopped to talk to her as their duties kept them busy and apart. She has been given descriptions of all of you as have all of the defenders at the Heart and told to escort you to Irabeth upon arrival.
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"Well met. I am Sir Garith Mordrand, and this is Maelchar, Pakak, Zeriax. We have much to report. Shall you be joining us in our meeting with Irabeth?" Garith points out who is who among the group.
"One among our group left us, the Minikanian... did I say that right, Pakak? Anyway, we have returned with some news and items we have retrieved."
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Samantha smiles at the new arrival but for the moment the tall woman has nothing to add,she is still feeling somewhat shy around these people as she has herself just joined the group.
She is tall and broad of Shoulder but has a youthful beauty about herself and a warm smile. Although she is garbed as a warrior in a finely crafted breastplate and bearing a Glaive the woman wears the symbol of Shelyn, godess of arts and love around her neck.
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I guess a description is merited...
Garith is a built man beneath the full suit of banded-mail that he wears, and he carries a short sword on his offhand side and a heavy spiked shield slung over his back, he seems to favor the longsword at his left hip and the heavily blood-spattered light wooden shield on his arm.
With his helmet off he has the features of a soldier, (albeit with limited access to proper grooming facilities) but his expression is warmer than a proper soldier no killer's eyes. His soft voice has an almost melodic quality that adds to a subtle sense of otherness about him, a quality very similar to that of Maelchar.
As the group approaches the Defender's Heart, a figure emerges from the shadow of the gate - one of the guards set to protect the bastion. At first blush, the figure appears to be a thin man but it becomes clear that she is a slender, over-tanned (and relatively non-descript) Tian woman in her 20s. She looks more like a peasant than a warrior, save for her distinctly martial carriage. Her face is smeared with dirt, soot, and sweat. Her eastern-styled armor is an elaborate set of woven leaf-like fabrics banding together layers of hardened leather plates, lacquered to a high sheen. The armor is cleaner than the woman, having only a dusting of grit and a few scratches. In comparison to either the woman or her armor, the set of lacquered sword sheaths tucked at a rakish angle through her red sash, are immaculate.
She stops abruptly at a prescribed 8' distance from the group, just outside of threat range, and offers a curt military half-bow - somewhere between a nod and offering her head for severing. Her dark eyes never leave the warriors in front of her as her slender hand rests lightly near the scabbard's mouth of the large killing blade at her side. Her thumb sits on the sword's small tsuba, ready to push the blade clear in short order. Despite the martial bearing, the woman's voice is pleasant and serene. "Welcome back. Irabeth awaits you. There have been developments in your absence. If it pleases you to come with me, I will brief you as we walk." She escorts the team through the bastion at a relaxed pace.
"Well met. I am Sir Garith Mordrand, and this is Maelchar, Pakak, Zeriax. We have much to report. Shall you be joining us in our meeting with Irabeth?" Garith points out who is who among the group.
The woman bows to each person in turn. "It is my honor. I am called Reiko, once of Wanshou, then samurai to my lost lord. Now, by your phrasing, I am a knight-errant." It seems to be something of an apology as well as as explanation. "The Lady Irabeth has told me only to ensure your safe arrival to her presence. I do not believe I am invited to your council."
"One among our group left us, the Minikanian... did I say that right, Pakak? Anyway, we have returned with some news and items we have retrieved."
Reiko nods and makes a back-and-forth fluttering gesture with the hand not permanently attached to her katana. "I am Tian-Dan. We are similar and different from the Minkai... but also part of the Dragon Empire. I am pleased you have met some of our people." Leading the party on a winding course through the Heart, the Tian woman is a study in contrasts. Her hand never leaves her scabbard and her eyes constantly move across her surroundings, assessing threats even here. In comparison, her voice and stride are relaxed. Indicating suddenly less-grim warriors with subtle flicks of her glance, she says, "You may notice that many of our comrades seem more confident. Some of the credit for that change is yours, as I understand it. A bird brought word from a man named Horgus Gwerm." From her frowning emphasis on the name, the swordswoman knows something of the merchant. "He spoke highly of your actions in his defense and has gifted the crusade generously from his stores and supplies. For many, it has lifted spirits and renewed their will to fight... that is no small feat."
She lets the compliment hang for a moment before continuing. "Also, a runner bore news from someone named Aravahinal. A cache of items useful for the war effort was found. Men were dispatched and have returned with the equipment. I believe Lady Irabeth wishes to reward your service by presenting some of them as gifts to you. It is a great honor." The Tian stops at a door and glances at the group, even as she knocks politely. "We are here. It's been a privilege to speak with you." She offers a final bow as the door opens.
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"This is wonderful, and surprising, news," Garith says, smiling and raising a bemused eyebrow at mention of Horgus singing their praises. "I am glad that we have had a positive impact on the war effort, even if it was jsut what we had to do to survive." Glancing back at the others, [b]"Master Gwyrm of all men, Garith says chuckling to those of the group that met the nobleman.
Maelchar returns Reiko's bow with one of his own, though perhaps not as formal or practiced. He looks uncomfortably stiff in the finely worked if somewhat dented breastplate he wears. Though more heavily armored than some, he is somewhat lightly armed, bearing only a mace, a dagger and a crossbow on his back. When he bows, locks of bone white hair drift down over his face and he brushes them back with a flick of his fingers as he stands erect again. The two small stones circling his head maintain their orbits, regardless of his position. He flashes Reiko a warm smile.
"A pleasure indeed to meet someone from your lands with a civil tongue and well-spoken... I'm afraid the last fellow I met, the one from Minkai, did not share that quality."
He grins widely when she speaks of the growing confidence of the defenders here. "It is good news you share with us, thank you for that. Knowing the others here have taken heart from the generosity of Masters Gwerm and Aravashinal is wonderful. Our part in that was small, and I admit not always undertaken with the greater good in mind... sometimes we were just purely trying to stay alive ourselves."
He looks slightly abashed at that admission and his violet eyes glance away from Reiko's gaze for a moment. He shrugs and then looks back at her. He gives a half-smile... "I'm guessing we don't have time to clean up a bit before our audience with Irabeth, eh?"
As they walk along, after Reiko's briefing for them, his expression becomes dark and introspective, his eyes turn to a deep violet shade as he asks, "Have you heard anything about the fate of the Zeru family perchance? My adopted family were here in the city, and my brother and sister left us to join them... has any word come of their fate?"
"A pleasure indeed to meet someone from your lands with a civil tongue and well-spoken... I'm afraid the last fellow I met, the one from Minkai, did not share that quality."
Reiko lets out a laugh. "It is said that my people are the most arrogant of the Tian. This may disprove that belief."
"Our part in that was small, and I admit not always undertaken with the greater good in mind... sometimes we were just purely trying to stay alive ourselves."
There is no judgment or rebuke in the swordswoman's eyes, she merely observes, "Sometimes living is the only victory we achieve. Certainly that is true for those of us battling at the Heart."
re: news of family
Reiko searches her memory. "I'm sorry, I have heard nothing of your families... but my duties have kept me at the front. I have not been tasked with accounting for refugees and survivors. With the Lady's leave, I will consult the scrolls while you meet with her."
"Thanks, Reiko. If you have time, that would be much appreciated, but if not, no harm, no foul. Hopefully Lady Irabeth will give us some downtime later and I can always look into their fates myself." Maelchar flashes Reiko a smile.
"As for the Minkaian fellow it wasn't so much that he was arrogant. It was more a question of his vocabulary. He had a mouth on him that could curdle milk. I can't ever repeat many of the words he used. It is almost like the air is cleaner without his presence. He was a good fighter though and chose to be loyal to Garith, even though he spared no affiliation for the rest of us, and for that he's missed, mouth notwithstanding." Maelchar shrugs as if dismissing the topic for now.
"I'd love to hear about your homeland sometime, Reiko, if we have a chance to talk more. A place called the Dragon Empire sounds interesting and very exotic."
Pakak seems quite quiet though he nodded at Garith's comment. But talk of his lost claykin has him grown silent again
"I'd love to hear about your homeland sometime, Reiko, if we have a chance to talk more. A place called the Dragon Empire sounds interesting and very exotic."
The ronin smiles somewhat wistfully. "If our duties allow, I would be happy to speak of Tian Xia."
As Reiko introduces herself, Zeriax observes the woman's attitude and posture, immediately finding it familiar from his many years in Tian Xia.
Moving purposefully he approaches her with confident, measured strides, honed through years of incessant training. With a shaven head and darkened skin, he dresses in still torn, plain travelling clothing, and travels light, with but a backpack and a bow at his back. Of average height, he is lean and seemingly without an ounce of fat in his body, his lite musculature well visible due to his poorly kept attire.
Reiko definitely notices also the many quivers, apparently holding varied types of ammunition, neatly stacked and identified by their distinctly coloured feathers. At his waist dangle a pair of simple, roughly hewn iron knuckles, though the most surprising feature of this one becomes distinct as he approaches - his eagle like amber eyes, that shine as they pick up and reflect the light around them.
Bowing low, he speaks softly - "Well met Reiko-San. I am Zeriax, and offer you my condolences for the loss of your daimyo. It is a pleasure to meet you Ronin, so far from ancestral Tian-Xia"
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As they move towards the Heart, the monk remains silent, but smiles at the news from Aravashinal, and mainly the surprising ones regarding Horgus - It seems there was definitely more to that one - he ponders to himself. When Garith addresses the issue, he retorts - "It is a good feeling, that one can make a difference amidst all this chaos" - he nods at the paladin - "It pleases me to believe we were able to impart the dire moment we all find ourselves in to master Gwerm, and the need to rise one's considerations above class or wealth"
Bowing low, he speaks softly - "Well met Reiko-San. I am Zeriax, and offer you my condolences for the loss of your daimyo. It is a pleasure to meet you Ronin, so far from ancestral Tian-Xia."
Reiko returns the bow, pleased that the monk bridges the cultural divide. "An honor, Zeriax-san. It seems we are both far from the Lo Xiyang* of home." Her eyes harden, considering her daimyo, "My lord's death was karma... perhaps."
1. She mentioned being from Wanshou... which is a Kraken-ruled island mostly populated by the Tian-Shu. As a Tian-Dan, it is highly unlikely she was there as part of a hereditary Samurai family or in a position of any sort of respect. It is far more likely she was an indentured servant, a slave, or an Eta - one of the 'untouchables' employed in jobs shunned by acceptable people.
2. Karma is a somewhat fatalistic acceptance that the trials that befall an individual in this life (including how one dies) are earned from deeds in past lives. You can regret the karma that happens to another person but you generally don't argue that it wasn't deserved. Reiko's addition of 'perhaps' tells you that her daimyo's passing was particularly nasty and honorless and she has a difficult time believing he 'earned' it. In addition, the taint of that death would fall on all those who served that daimyo... so the affront to her lord has stained her in some way, no doubt angering her greatly.
"I was not honored to be born under the Dragon Kings" - Zeriax continues - "Yet, the slopes of the Wall of Heaven were my solace for many years, and Quain the only true home I ever knew" - his amber eyes gleam momentarily - "It is good to find a piece of home here in Kenabres, where so many have lost their own" - he adds resolute, looking around them as they move.
"I hope there will be opportunity for us all to talk later, once our report is finished" - he comments further, not wanting to intrude on matters private - "Again, it is good that we have met, and may your karma be your own"
Assuming his position in the group's marching order, he pauses momentarily to gaze upon the woman again - "Sode furiaumo tashoono en" - then proceeds along.
The literal translation is: "Even brushing sleeves with others is due to the karma from your previous life", but in this instance, Zeriax hints at the group meeting Reiko being a positive thing, hence along the lines of "Even chance meetings are the result of karma"
Reiko brushes the sleeve of the silk hitarare peeking out from beneath her armor and gives the monk a slight smile, saying, "From this side of Heaven's Wall, we are practically neighbors from the same village, Zeriax-san... for the Lo Xiyang drops her pedals on Quain as well as Xa Hoi and Wanshou. Time and duty permitting - I would enjoy sharing tea with you."
She quotes a snatch of her idle thoughts in the condensed poetic form of her people:
- Oh sad Lo Xiyang,
Do your branches weep for me
As I do for them?
The ronin turns to the others, "Forgive me. Talk of home made me neglect my manners... and delay you unnecessarily." She knocks again on Irabeth's door.
Lead into the private room of Irabeth she looks up noticing that Ryu is gone. Not asking exactly what happens in case he fell in battle she nods to Reiko. It seems that we are missing a member of the group. Reiko, I would ask that you stay and listen to what i hve to say. i hqve in mind for you to become the sixth member of the strike force here. Your skills will compliment them from what I have seen of you and heard from them. I will give you a quick recap of what we know but if you he any questions, any of you, please ask them.
Turning the group as a whole Irabeth draws a couple of reports from a pile as glances at them as she relates to you what she has discovered in the last 3 hours since you have been gone...
As horrific as recent events have been, we've come to realize that they are, in fact, merely a prelude. The razing of the Kite, the destruction of our wardstone, Terendelev's murder, and the assault on the city were nothing more than opening gambits. The Worldwound is on the march in a more concentrated assault than we've seen since the fall of Drezen. It's fair to say the Lord of the Locust Host is finally making his move. The end of this hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to us to ensure victory. While the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were scattered, those who serve the Lord of the Locust Host himself remain concentrated in Old Kenabres. What we've heard from within the barricade they've erected is ominous. The cultists are waitingnfor something, and based on our own information and what you've managed to recover so far, it sounds like the vile witch Areelu Vorlesh will soon be coming to Kenabres. And it appears that we've determined what she intends to do. When the wardstone was destroyed by the Storm King, it exploded and destroyed the Kite. The network along the border failed, but did not fade completely. I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the old garrison in Old Kenabres. From what we've learned, they're hoping to engineer a way to somehow reverse the field generated by the wardstones-essentially, to use our own greatest defense as a devastating weapon.
The attack on Kenabres had a predictable result: causing the crusade to gather at the border to defend it. Some wonder why the demons haven't attacked in stronger numbers. I believe that Areelu was counting on us massing along the border, and that if she can corrupt the wardstone field, she can strike a devastating blow against us all. In effect, we've lined up for the slaughter.
Vorlesh is surely seeking some object of great Abyssal power, likely the Nahyndrian crystal mentioned in the missive you recovered, and with it she intends to turn the source of our hope into an unimaginable nightmare. We cannot hope to evacuate everyone from the border-I doubt they would give up the defensive line even if they knew what the enemy planned. But we can still stop this from happening-we just need to have someone infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone fragment, and destroy it. That rod that you discovered is the perfect answer to all of our prayers. With it we can destroy that last remaining piece of the wyrdstone and prevent the slaughter of all of the crusaders at the border. I propose we head out at first light for the Garrison and strike back and make them rue the day they came to Kenebras. Are you with me?
Maelchar looks to Garith as de facto leader of the group to speak on everyone's behalf. But still without thinking he whispers slightly aloud, not waiting for Garith, "I'm in.. as you wish, so shall it be done." He nudges Garith to speak aloud for the group though with a slight push against his arm.
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Garith smiles slightly as his cousin speaks up, but then sighs at the enormity of the responsibility before them, then sets his jaw, resolute. "It appears that the destruction of the stone is the only option we have. Would that we could use it's power to defend ourselves still... but its continued existence is a liability at this point. Well said, cousin, it shall be done."
"Let us ready ourselves for this coming battle. Is there any other information that we have regarding this woman, should we face her? All i have heard is myth and rumor."
Reiko stands quietly by the door, surprised by her sudden inclusion. "My blade will serve as well, Lady. But... it sounds as if you intend to take the field yourself. How many warriors will you bring? It may affect our tactics."
Zeriax listens intently as Irabeth recounts the gathered information - "I am at the ready to carry out this mission as requested" - the monk comments with a grave tone - "Do we have any way of knowing what they expect to accomplish by tampering with the wardstone fragment, and what impact it would have in Kenabres?" - he adds.
Pondering for a few moments, and listening to his companions' words, he continues - "And are you planning a frontal assault of some sort, or an infiltration?"
In spite of his calm exterior and words, Zeriax's mind is racing - their chance encounter seemed to have turned into something with proportions he cannot begin to grasp - 'The end of this hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to us to ensure victory' - he had heard the words in all their huge scope, and could not help but wonder how important a part they could expect to play in the grand scheme of what was afoot.