Way of the Wicked - The fall of Andoran, Chapter II (Inactive)

Game Master increddibelly

After some time watching Talon grunts. "Knew it. We should bait it out so we're not fighting on it's turf. Think you can catch some wild game?"

Maybe, lets see if I can find a dear or something.

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

well that will feed one so a rabbit?

This is all I could find and shoot. Its like the animals know I was hunting them.

Talon sneers at the human's 'success'. "It will have to do. Tie it by outside the cave, we'll hit it with stones to make it scream."

Ever heard a rabbit scream? It's insane, and a huge predator magnet.

I like your style :D

I didn't think I could like this group more, then we added Monty Python. Haha joke's on the creature, we're actually the bait and the rabbit is the threat!

Cole will sneak over to the cave and put the bait in place.

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

That's pretty darn sneaky, Cole :) You're doing what you were hired to do!

With infinite patience and *zero* sound, Cole slowly makes his way towards the cave, making sure he stays downwind, so that *whatever* is inside the cave can't even get a whiff of human.
At the last moment, he opens up the rabbit's belly, and warm, smelly bunny-blood comes running out.
If there's any sort of predator in there, it will simply HAVE to be triggered now.

would it be safe to assume you're not waiting around to find out? :p

Talon hides up a nearby tree, cloaking himself in his black wings and waiting for the beast to arrive. If there's any signs of the creature arriving he casts shield on himself.

Think of something like this - with some pine trees around where the camera is.

One moment Cole is quietly sneaking back from the cave, but a split second later, adrenaline kicks in as Cole and a giant cat tumble across the sandy beach. The beast's maw just missing Cole's head by mere inches, but slobber covers his face, and suddenly his back feels like it is on fire.

Talon kicks into action as he watches a massive shape unfurl from the outcropping. He can only watch in frustration, as the tiger takes a great leap and silently drops right on top of Cole. The monstrous creature slashes at the with two massive paws, making great gashes in Cole's barely protected back.

Funny how the mind works at a time like this - even while wrestling for his life with the large tiger, Cole can't help but notice that it's missing an eye. The Dire Tiger's right eye-socket is covered in scar tissue - making it look even more ferocious than a Large Dire Tiger already is.

charge-pounce, higher ground bonus instead of charge: 1d20 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 18 + 5 = 37
dmg: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (3, 4) + 8 = 15
and the other claw; pounce gives a full attack: 1d20 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 5 = 38
dmg: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2) + 8 = 11
grab (grapple): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33 => Cole and the Tiger are grappled!

Technically, the dire tiger can bite Cole as well, but that would be quite mean. Even for me. Instead, I'd like to think the beast is playing with its prey.

Now it's Cole's and Talon's turn. But Talon will probably critnuke it...

If there's any signs of the creature arriving he casts shield on himself.

There's no sign, until Cole gets pounced. But, since the spell lasts for several minutes, you'd probably have cast it just before Cole snuck out; take the extra 4AC :)

Oh s!%~, a dire tiger. That's dangerous, even for us. The whole party working together would make mincemeat of it, but just the two of us will be dangerous.

Talon hisses under his breath, and after a brief moment of consideration to leave the human to the wrath of the tiger he pushes off the tree, weaving a spell as he does so. Beyond that he stays silent, letting the tiger focus on it's prey for the moment.

Getting adjacent to the tiger if I can with a move action and casting true strike. Sorry Cole, Talon's damage is rather unimpressive unless there's a spell added to it.

AAAHHHH!!!! Holy s#&$, get this thing off of me.

Swift action Archaeologist Luck.

Full Attack -2 to hit in a grapple

Attack Cestus: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Attack Cestus: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Attack Cestus Confirmation: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

AAAHHHH!!!! Holy s$$&, get this thing off of me.

you're doing a good job at that yourself; you did 32 points of damage to the tiger. I see no reason to help you any more :p

Cole punches the tiger right in the jaw, sending a sharp tooth flying. The beast growls in pain - and for a second you think it sounds eerily similar to the word "revenge" - but it will take more to scare off a dire tiger.

It turns its one good eye towards Cole, and the message is clear - playtime is over. Its enormous maw opens wide, and old One-Eye bites down hard into Cole's shoulder.

maintain grapple: 1d20 + 19 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 19 + 5 = 25
bite: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25
dmg: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 4) + 8 = 18
And the world fades to black for Cole!

Hey fellas... you did remember to pack a few potions of healing, did you...? Cole may need some help now. Oh well, you know what they say: It is better to feed one cat than many mice...

At first, darkness.

Then, something. anything...implies consciousness! And, memory. Violent memories. But - no pain; no emotion.
A presence? Yes. And, a voice. Softly. Gently.

Of course. Talon calls upon his magic, infusing Rygat with lightning and empowering it before unleashing a flurry of slashes at the creature with an auran war cry. He tries to draw the creature's attention from Cole.

Concentration: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 20 = 37
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 8d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 2 + (5, 2, 2, 5, 1, 3, 5, 1) = 38 +Empowered makes it 50 damage.
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 11
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 10

Casting shocking grasp as part of a full attack, empowering the spell with a swift action, and spending a point from Rygat's arcana pool to add 2 to damage for a minute.

Ouch, those dire tigers are tough... it'll make a great Zombie though! Healing Cole is going to be an issue; hopefully Talon can at least stabilize him, otherwise we have a serious problem.

I always keep one infernal healing prepared for emergencies.

Does Cole stabilize? : 1d20 ⇒ 6
Ooh,he does not!

The tiger yelps at the sudden onslaught. It looks around to see what hit him, and shows Talon a threatening snarl. Then, realizing it must retreat in order to save its hide, it slowly releases Cole. Almost. One claw stays in contact with the bleeding bard, as if One-Eye is warning Talon "if you do ANYTHING I don't like, I will end his suffering..."

Talon keeps his blade held high, but doesn't attack. He gives a jerk of his head, agreeing to not attack if the creature leaves.

We can always kill it later. It doesn't have healing like us. I think.

Slowly, the clever tiger backs away into the cave. Once it is safely out of range, it snarls angrily at you and runs inside. The fearsome growl echoes through the cave.

Talon watches the massive tiger retreat in silence. That beast is a little too clevr for it's own good. Talon takes a knee, reminiscing the time he kept their anti paladin alive, dropping a single drop of demon's blood into Cole's wound and watching the injuries begin to knit up.

Infernal healing, gives him fast healing 1 for a minute.

One he wakes up Talon shakes his head. "I gave it a pretty good hit but I had to let it get away to keep you alive."

That beast is a little too clevr for it's own good.

Indeed.

As Talon tends to Cole...

The darkness around Cole fades, as he is abruptly drawn backwards, away from the light at the end of the tunnel he was in,

"Yes. Your time is not come."

and Cole awakends to a burning sensation that slowly restores the worst of his wounds.

WB Cole! You now have 8 hit points.

Cole, Talon, what's your next move? I hope you realize the urgency of your current situation.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"You're in no shape to go in there, but I can probably finish him off."

You know what they say: A cornered cat becomes as fierce as a lion. And even if you manage to kill it, it'll still have eight more lives...

Yeah but we've done about 80 damage to it and unless it has a spellcaster watching over it I doubt it has access to any healing. Might as well finish it now instead of wasting a few days by flying back and forth.

Actually, this thing is smart enough to be doing hostage negotiations. I feel like it might be a Druid or something that's a little wrong in the head. Ya, we'll retreat for now, back to the horn.

Good going! Sindran actually wanted to diplomatize One-Eye in the first place but I didn't want to interrupt your encounter. :P Should have mentioned that these were, first and foremost, scouting expeditions.

Locals will tell you that old One-Eye has been hunting the northern reaches of the Caer Bryr for decades. Those who have faced the beast, and lived, suspect that the creature must be more than a simple dire tiger. It is claimed to be a vicious demon of the forest that can breath fire and kill a horse with a swipe from its tail.

This One Eye is probably a more intelligent creature than a typical dire tiger - but some of the locals' stories seem far-fetched.

Sindran will go with the next party to talk with One Eye. He has Tongues and Elemental Speech, but I'll also get a few scrolls of Speak with Animals. In fact, maybe I'll just make it a wand. If we come across any more animals, it would be useful. Maybe a scroll of Speak with Plants then.

If I can't get One-Eye to aid us, or at least come to a mutually beneficial agreement, then we need to deal with him. Talon and Cole again would be fine, with me acting as support, and Grumblejack as my bodyguard. Just don't let him attack me if it comes to it. I'd die.

That also reminds me, need to investigate the strange hills called the Karst. Another expedition after dealing with the tiger, anyone? Some minions should be brought though, since this one seems like a Treasure Hunt. I'll spend my other organization action to scurry out information about them first.

On the edge of the Caer Bryr are those strange hills called the Karst. They say, somewhere in those hills is lost a great treasure!

Sound like a good plan Sindran. I'll volunteer for any and all expeditions, I'm glad to be putting Talon to use in these downtime situations.

busy weekend of posting I see, guess I should have checked in. Glad I didn't die :)

As Cole awakes.

What the hell was that thing. I'm sneaking back and next thin I know its on top of me. I punched it twice. Connected pretty good it seemed, but then everything went dark.

Yes lets get out of here. We can regroup and come back. The thing seems smart. Maybe we could awaken it? Would make for an excelent guard around the Horn.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Now I feel better. We can fly back and try an finish if if you wish, but I think if we could awaken it a great ally would be made.

Let's regroup at the horn, if only to celebrate that I almost took you out because splitting up the party sucks.

some of the locals' stories seem far-fetched.

or maybe not - now that you've met him.

Sindran will go with the next party to talk with One Eye.
noted.

[...]need to investigate the strange hills called the Karst [...]this one seems like a Treasure Hunt.

On the edge of the Caer Bryr are those strange hills called the Karst. They say, somewhere in those hills is lost a great treasure!

Some would argue that your treasury proves that rumour correct - what do you think? ^_^

Are you going back to old One-Eye?
Who's going back to old One-Eye?
When are you going back to old One-Eye?
How are you going back to old One-eye? - remember, it's a ton of travelling and I'm sure Talon can't carry you all :p

I somehow missed this, but better late than never. Regarding Zikomo's Vision Juice, Sindran probes for what it is and what/where the fruit and other ingredients are, as well as the process for making it. The aim here is to make Zikomo dependent on Sindran for future doses.

I think investigating those hills would still be worth it. And it will give Talon something to do.

Going back to One-Eye. I suggest Sindran with Grumblejack, Talon, and Cole. Not bringing along any other minions, except maybe a few goblins who know the path. Caladwhen will hold the fort, but she can alert us with the Rings if anything happens. I suggest the day after the Cole and Talon return with their report. I can't think of any other method than walking. Though perhaps if it's along the river, we can get on a boat if the current isn't against us. And if we're walking, perhaps we can bring along Zombie Luggage. Might be a bit daft without its master, but it should still work as transport and an additional combatant.

I'm all yay for zombie tools - that's what they are here for. single-sillable-sentences will work wonders. "go", "stop", "run" can't be too difficult to memorize, even if you're an undead.

Re: The Vision Juice
You've seen a lot of leaves and dried fruits around Zikomo's lair - and now you're making the connection.
It's that dodgy-spongy-pineapple thing that grows around the NW of the horn: It takes forever to ripen, and then two days to rot. Apparently, Zikomo somehow absorbs the stuff when it's past that expiration date (don't ask if you won't like the answer) and ...enjoys... the hallucinations that go with it.

I'm sure you've all seen that viral movie about apes 'drinking' rotten fruit and getting drunk. Well, this 'ape' has drunk himself an addiction.

Okay - Sindran, Talon, Cole and ole' Grumbly are going to have a little chit-chat with the half-blind puss.

*please don't assume any upgrading will get done on your items while you're away*

Caladwhen, this leaves you playing housewife; for two days, you'll have to do all the rituals AND deal with all those menial requests from the minions AND craft AND defend the horn.
No pressure!

I just love saying Caladwhen and 'housewife' in one sentence... There's something distinctly naughty about that. Until she catches you and oh boy oh boy aren't you in trouble >_<

Watching from high up in the Horn as the others leave on expedition to find Old One-Eye, Caladwhen sighs and mutters "I suppose this wretched place is all mine for a few days." Glancing over at T'Larryo with a somewhat annoyed look, Caladwhen adds "Make sure none of those disgusting creatures disturb myself, or Nariel... we'll be handling the ceremony while the others are away."

Shaking her head, the left corner of Caladwhen's mouth curls into a slight grin as she ponders her last encounter with Zikumo "Actually, I highly doubt Zikumo has the temerity to bother me. No matter, T'larryo, summon Gabriel and his cohorts to me."

As Gabriel and his crew arrive, Caladwhen smiles lightly as they enter "I thought you should all know that the 7th has been disposed of, which was the desired outcome of your little ruse Gabriel, well done." Looking out over the surrounding jungles from on hihg, Caladwhen motions towards the great beyond "I have another task for you while the others seek out this beast harassing our minions; Gabriel, you and your crew will keep an eye out for any impending dangers... should anyone come while the rest of the 9th is in dispose, I intend to greet them with an army of the dead."

Once her minions have their marching orders, Caladwhen turns on her heels and leaves the observation deck for her lab Time to get to work...

Caladwhen and Nariel will handle the ceremony between them, and Cala will craft in her downtime. Nariel, Gabriel and other manpower available from Venorik Rah will keep an eye out for any impending danger. Should anyone approach looking for trouble, Caladwhen will sick the Zombie army, Kumanda and the Zombie Treant on them... that ought to be enough to hold the fort.

Actually, the view from the Horn's third level balcony is quite invigorating: The perimeter of the Horn is crawling with minions ranging from small to huge. That, and Talon's maze of horrors in the surrounding jungle - Right now, the inside of the Horn is quite likely the best protected place in all of Andoran.

Meanwhile, a party of explorers is sneaking through the jungle - except for GrumbleJack, whose idea of sneaking is walking in a straight line, crushing or chopping whatever is in the way. However, Grumblejack does not acknowledge the obvious fact that he couldn’t sneak up on a deaf man, yet alone attentive monsters guarding their habitat.

If someone disparages his “skill” at stealth, he retorts: "Grumblejack have no problem with plan. Grumblejack quiet as death! One time, Grumblejack sneak up on a farmer to steal sheep. Farmer turn around and look me straight in eyes. He so scared, little man make water!!"
His roaring laugh scares away a few dozen birds.

"Grumblejack ask him if he saw anything. Farmer say no."

Turning the smug to eleven, he finishes:
"See...Grumblejack VERY stealthy."

That is a fine story Grumblejack. I like it. It's okay, I don't think stealth will help us that much. I don't think he heard me approach the first time. He was laying in wait to ambush prey himself. The trick will be to let Sindran talk and not kill the beast or let it kill us.

I'd like to use Heitr's other action this week to spend on getting Vision Juice. I'd order the goblins, but, well, there's a chance Zikomo can interfere. Besides, I think I've stockpiled enough peasants to go one week without using an Abduct Peasants action.

Sindran doesn't bother trying to make Grumblejack quieter. They were announcing their presence, after all.

"Very stealthy," Sindran says, agreeing with Grumblejack's story. It reminds him of a few of his own work. Intimidation worked wonders. "You will be stealthy for this one too."

Heitr are harvesting the fruits, they try to learn how to tell the ripeness and how to make an alcoholic broth from the things.
More on this when you return - please remind me.

During your trip, out of the blue, a ridiculously crude spear bounces off GrumbleJack's head.
To put this in some perspective; you have become used to the BaneWog who wield swords that aren't more than a handle plus a blunt blade, and they proudly such a tattered sword 'Vorpalyzor' and respect it as an epic weapon.
The spear that was thrown in GrumbleJack's general direction is no more than a sharpened twig, even compared to that.

Your pet-nay-fearsome-monster runs off into the jungle chasing whatever he saw. Seconds later, he returns, chewing some sort stringy flesh.
GrumbleJack points into the forest, mumbling "om nom nom, funny huts. Dere. Nom, nom"

You stumble upon a treehut village of lizardmen. Clearly, you outclass them by far.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Talon grins at the little lizardmen running around. He whispers to the others. "I see an opportunity for more minions here."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

"Mhm, yes." Sindran muses on which approach to take. " This might speed our search as well; they would know the area and know what we're looking for. Let me do the talking."

Sindran gestures for Grumblejack to stay close and then hunches forward, folding his arms in as fire suddenly bursts from his back, rising upward until they take the form of burning wings.

The half-orc straightens then flaps his wings, sending a wave of heat outward and himself upward, rising into the sky. He hovers for a few moments, wings flapping around him, eyes seeking out the hut most likely to be their leader's and enters the village, intent on landing in front of it.

I'll use a minute of Wings of Fire to enter the village dramatically.

Sindran lands and waits for the lizardmen to make the first move, dragging out their fear and anticipation, ready to retaliate with excessive force to cement his position before speaking.

Not sure if they speak Common so I'll listen for their cries of mercy /etc. to decipher what language they speak before speaking to them in their own language. I have the helm which gives me constant Comprehend Languages, but I'll cast Tongues on myself right before entering so I can speak their language back.

Grumblejack and the others can aid Intimidate or just hang menacingly in the background or something, I dunno.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37

Grumblejack noisily spits out the femur; you can hear him complain loudly about the terrible texture and the lack of flavor.
"PTOOOEY! Lizzies make tongue itch! Sand taste better!"

The pale-skinned lizardfolk scurry away from the campfire in their 'main square' and the dots on their skin serve very well as camouflage. There could easily a hundred more of them hiding in the foliage.
Around you, you see a few dozen huts connected by bridges. Any of the huts would provide fairly comfortable sleeping quarters for one of you.
All of the adult lizardfolk carry a spear *chuckle* or a club *giggle*. A few are holding an instrument of sorts, that couldn't possibly serve as a weapon, except maybe to confuse opponents away.

All of the trees carrying a treehouses have been painted.
The biggest tree shows an image of a tall white triangular blob next to a low, flat orange-and-black blob. The orange blob has a single white dot at the front.

Any of you can tell that these children's scrabblings represent the bleak-skinned lizardfolk trapping some form of cattle, throwing rocks on their prey's head, and roasting chunks of them over a fire. The orange-black rectangle could represent old One-Eye the dire tiger, but you have no idea who the tall person in white next to it could be.

Int: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Oh, excellent, Draconic is one of the languages Sindran speaks. No need for Tongues.

Sindran acknowledges the elder lizardman with a nod, returning the greeting with a probing question in Draconic. "I am Sindran. Do you know who we are?"

Cole just stands by and watches, making sure Grumblejack doesn't eat any more while Sindran is talking to them.

What villagers remain outdoors cower before you. Your direct approach seems to match the village elder's expectations; he isn't hazed much.

"I know you have powers. Like Her."

He points his twisted walking stick to one of the trees.
It shows another white blob, and two white stripes point upwards. A yellow-and-black triangle with one white dot sits next to it. A green blob flows from the white blob over a whole bunch of white-and-black blobs.

"Do you know where She is? We would speak to her again."