Kuralaak shudders an old crone in my tribe used to do this spell. It isn't the one where that long optic nerve STAYS CONNECTED to your head while it floats through the halls is it? That one is disgusting! Kuralaak has no real objections of course.
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That would be a roughly accurate description of the spell yes, though the whole device is of course invisible, otherwise it would be useless. He pulls a crisp scroll out of his pack. To be completely honest, the exact mechanics of the spell are little befuddling even to me. However, thanks to a little guidance from the Illusionist in Katapesh I bought this thing off of, I should be able to manage.
Grim starts to walk ahead down the tunnel and runs into...
A human woman. She is obviously a foreigner, fair skinned and red haired. She is not armed or armored but Grim has seen more then his fair share of followers of Sarenrae now and knows she is a cleric of that faith.
With a sigh as if to say "We loose one of the faithful to Sarenrae and two more pop up it seems." He walks the woman the short distance back to the rest of the party.
I am Iryna Marita Pantaeva cleric of Sarenrae. I am sorry to have hidden myself but I will not allow these brave men to die in a hopeless fight. Therefore I stayed back in hopes that divine magic might turn the tides of a combat. I heard your claim to be THE, Hajar nar Jundi Abbot Protector of Kelmerane but I had to hold my position to be certain. I know now from your actions you are Hajar nar Jundi. I have heard of how you and your followers took back control of Kelemarane and brought the faith of the Dawnflower back to the people there.
I know so much of you, but let me tell you about me. I was captured far from here, and sold. The time in between is not important. What is important is that you are here now. Sarenrae has allowed me to help these people, but I believe I am here now to help you. The young woman seems earnest, and not at all put off by the fact she has a metal collar around her neck.
Yes Mistress Iryna, I am Hajar nar Jundi, I and my compatriots defeated the daemon Xulthos and freed Kelmerane from its influence. We know that the Carrion King has designs upon Kelmerane and we venture to destroy his influence on the region. His worship of Rovagug is an anathema to all that is good in the world. Those who walk in the path of the light should do all they can to oppose such creatures. Would you join us in this?
Hajar will give Iryna his Cold Iron Morningstar and the Wand of CLW with 43 remaining charges. Until she has her own gear.
Please, Haja nar Jundi, no titles. I am but the Dawnflower's servant. Iryna smiles, assuring evryone that she is earnest. She thanks Hajar for his gifts. Hajar, your generosity should be as known as your prowess!" Hefting the morning star in her right hand she gives it a few practice swings. "This will do," she says more to herself than anyone else.
Ah, Mistress, you wound me. I will not disrespect one of such beauty. The title Mistress is my way of honoring you with my words.
Watching the slight priestess heft the morningstar and swing it around Hajar says
You have practiced with such things before yes? Allow me to show you... Hajar plants his right foot forward and shows Iryna how to pivot at the hip for maximum effect.
Yes, like this. The daemons and worshipers of the Rough Beast beware.
To the others Hajar motions
Would you accept one such as this Master Raj, Master Grim, Archer Kuralaak? She would do battle with us against the Carrion King and his minions.
As long as you tell everyone that i am no flock of yours. I am fine saving you from certain scorpy death. replied grim with a childlike glee.
B. In the rubble of the stairs your eye spies a stash of treasure consisting of A pile of silver 500 to 1000 peices, a smaller pile of gold 250 to 500 peices, a small amethyst, a cracked turquoise, a scroll in a silver scroll tube worth, and a wand.
C. Protruding from beyond the safety of the western temple wall stands a fortified gatehouse built around a forty-foot-diameter dome covered in pale blue, flaking mosaic tile. Behind the dome stand a pair of slender spires. The top of the northernmost spire sheers off at a jagged angle about three-quarters of the way up, while the other bears extensive cracks circling its foundation. You see evidence that this is were the tribe of troglodytes that the slaves spoke about live. There is a female with bright red hair crucified in front of the complex you can not tell if she is alive or dead.
D. A trio of towering minarets stands tall at the center of the temple courtyard. No ground-level entrances exist to the interiors of these minarets. Forty feet above the courtyard floor, a set of open window arches permits access to those able to reach them with flight or a DC 18 Climb check.
E.Along the east wall stands a thick gatehouse of ancient stone flanked by pale, crumbling minarets. On either side, worn steps burrow into the structure and twist inward, leading up to an open patio of cracked-tile mosaic. Holes in the surrounding brick indicate where wooden beams once spanned the patio, perhaps supporting rows of grape vines. Elsewhere, dry fountains, broken shards of pottery, and a worn stone trough indicate traces of what was once a lush and well-tended garden.
Currently, the gatehouse’s sole decoration consists of swarms of black flies buzzing above scattered piles of fetid dung. One of the fountains is filled with cracked bones of various humanoids. All the bones are marred with numerous teeth marks.
Two Pairs of hyaenodon-mounted Carrion Guards patrols this gate, keeping constant watch for trespassers. Currently the 4 are torturing another gnoll that has Grey white Fur.
F. In the southwest section of the temple rises a large, bronze plated dome set atop a raised stone foundation. The dome is badly cracked and a gaping hole mars the southwest wall. Several human-sized, brownish-black, egg-shaped objects lie about the yard surrounding the dome.
G. Rising from the center of the temple grounds is a tremendous dome of stone, brass, and crumbling plaster. The great dome sits on a octagonal base, inlaid in intricate geometric patterns with thousands of colored glass tiles. Time and the elements have reduced their once bright colors to faded pastel hues of blue, green, and yellow. In several places, the tiles have been completely worn away, exposing plaster and brickwork beneath. You know this is where the escaped slaves said the Carrion King lives. Iryna has not been captive as long as the others and can not confirm this.
Such vile beasts to torture so....
Hajar states as his eyes flash crimson with heat and his skin begins to redden.
We go to free this woman from the clutches of the despicable lizardmen!
Rofl.
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Raj actually falls off the wall in shock at his designation as a follower of Hajar, but he saves himself with another quick teleport. Follower of this jack***!? Just because Sarenrae is currently my least disliked member of the Pantheon doesn't mean- NEMAIDES! The bird veers away from Irnya, and drops his present on the rocks instead, and Raj is occupied for a few minutes arguing with his Familiar on the appropriateness of leaving one's digested lunch in somebody else's hair.
Within the minarets, spiral stairs offer access to upper and lower levels. Stairs connect to landings set at 50-foot increments correlating with the location of the open arches. They continue upward until they reach the final landing at a dizzying height of 120 feet above the courtyard. The view from any of the top floors provides a full aerial panorama
of the temple and its grounds.
Battle Map Grid has been updated to reference the battle map for C.
The doors blocking the west gate are of recent construction,crudely fabricated from wood salvaged within the temple and stolen from caravan raids. The hinges have long since rusted out, so the doors are wedged in place and barred from the inside. To open the doors, they must be
physically dragged aside with a DC 20 Strength check or broken down.
The red haired woman is tied to the doors described above.
As soon as the party comes within 40 feet of the gatehouse, javelin throwers launch a warning volley (intended not to damage but to land javelins within 10 feet of the the leader)
As the party gathers around the fortified old gatehouse. You notice Kuralaak is not with you.
Hajar does not understand the Troglodytes but he does understand the idea of deterrence, he decides to parlay and give these creatures an opportunity to defend their actions through words before he makes them defend them by sword.
In a voice bordering on a shout Hajar calls in Common and then Gnoll
Release the woman and send your leader to speak.
He also scans the creatures for evil.
Kuralaak decides on a direct approach. He walks boldly up to the steps of Area E where the grey haired Gnoll is held. Hello! M' dear riders, All hail the carrion King! But did you know that there is a Human Paladin of Sarenrea freeing all your prisoners down in the tunnels!? Quickly! They well make good their escape!
Kuralaak plans on slicing the Grey Gnolls bonds, then plucking the riders off from behind with crossbow bolts as the ride away. Backing up the steps should make things tough for mounted attackers.
PS Kuralaak isn't throwing you guys under the bus. You will be long gone by the time deez fooz get there.
Kuralaak Im gonna need a Bluff Check VS as the Target to beat. The +2 is because you are a stranger.
Kronus you can speak or describe yourself to Kuralaak. Please do the latter at least.
You are currently at You have 11 HP they are taking there time killing you.
Kronus grunts as the whips and daggers of the guards cut into flesh through his thick hide. His White-Grey Fur matted with blood.. though more than a Gnoll should normally produce on their own.. Another.. another crack.. more pain..more anger..he had to wait however.. he had to wait for the proper moment. As this new Gnoll approaches.. something about him seems.. off.. Kronus remembered many of the other Gnolls he had slain.... This one seemed to be warning the others of humans. Bah.. Humans.. pinkskins.. weak.
With an almost fierce bark, Kronus speaks. " You might as well go see... None of you strike with a whip harder than a pup.. maybe this one will have better luck!" the proud Gnoll sneers as blood runs from his mouth. He spits in the face of his current Torturer.
He is about 6'9" relatively scarred missing right k-9 from what seems long ago. His build is slightly above what a normal Gnoll and from the looks of the amount of fresh wounds.. fairly durable... To even be conscious. Even though his fur is such a color he seems fit.. and young..
The initial bluff fails. If I get a second chance Kuralaak will do this: grab a chorded whip, the kind with bone shards tied in it, and move to whip Kronus the whelp. Lifting the whip high he says I will handle this Dog. I cannot handle the humans alone though...You must help!
This attempt fails too. Kuralaak is beginning to realize this maybe wasn't the best plan.
Iryna smiles politely at Raj's and Grim's denials. "Sarenrae knows her followers, even if they do not. I will not ask for admissions of faith; conversion by the sword is...distasteful and dishonest. Regardless, I am pleased to meet you both."
When Iryna sees the wizard's familiar veer towards his master with a dead lizard in it's talons, she beams at the *bouncing* man and says, And it seems I am in your debt, and so soon!"
Watching the paladin put too much wrath in his words of warning, Iryna braces herself.
See how hajar is spreading the tale raj? This priestess is still saying that Sarenrae has claimed our souls even if we did not give it to her willingly.
grim gets ready for business
Kronus sees that this one is up to something.. Sure he seemed much weaker than the rest.. so his whips would be of no consequence.. but his words did not reflect his bodies reaction at all. Maybe This newcomer was leading them into a trap by a lesser Clan? Maybe He wanted to kill Kronus for himself and claim his possessions while they were away. In any case.. the moment of confusion would be a good time to strike if he could break free.
Kronus chuckled.. a gruff raspy voice. " Well look at you..Trying to look down on me with that whip? These Cowards wouldn't even go if their faithful leader was in trouble, they are too afraid that I might get out.. thats why it takes 4 of them to watch me...Weaklings... I hope this group of Humans your talking about walk right into this area and slaughter them because they were so scared to check.. waste of space. "
He bears his teeth in an amused smile. " Your better off going weaklings.. because if you whip me one more time..It better e harder than before.. or it'll be your last.. I promise you that... "
He looks upon the 4 Guards and the Newcomer fiercely.
Kronos you intimidation fails simply because you are tied up.
Kuralaak you are a terrible liar. Good news you are a crack shot with your homemade crossbow. As the two mounted gnolls begin to ride toward you drawing spears you abandon the ruse and land a masterful shot the breaks Kronos's bonds.
Round 1 start!
Hajar as soon as you speak in Gnoll the lizard men throw their javelins in ernest.
All at Hajar!
....
Miss
Round 1 Start. The trogs have cover.
Kronus sees the Gnoll fire a shot straight at him..and is amazed to find that it misses him, instead loosening his binds enough to make a quick escape.. Blood gushes from his wounds as Krous rips himself free of the bindings.. a death-stare at the two remaining Guards. A raspy and intimidating voice rising from his throat.
" I told you... When I got free... I would kill you all... I need more strength "
Pouncing upon them...leaping into the air
He reaches out.. faster than one of the Gnolls can even react and digs his feral claws into its shoulder following up with his mouth opening wide and coming down upon the Gnoll's Neck..once he had him held there.. his left hand grinds itself into the Gnoll's kidney and simultaneously he pulls away with all his might to rip the beast asunder.. bathing himself in a shower of its blood. He chews some of the flesh in his mouth and looks to the other Guard.
Hajar no Evil presence at this point.
Map coming up ASAP!
Kronus Ill get to you in a second.
These fights will be sharing the same map but they are totally independent of each other so no running over to the other fight to help!
Basic Battle Map is up. that is what we will be using for this fight.
When Kronus and Kuralaak are done with their fight they will catch up with the rest of the party and we will use Battle Map (AP). Clear as Mud? Good.
The map is pretty basic so if you want/need cover I will go more into detail. I think this should be a pretty short encounter.
Kronus Jumps on the back of the Brown mounted gnoll and nearly rips his throat out dealing 14 damage with a claw!
The 2 of you fall off from the struggle and quickly engage in melee.
Kuralaak your up.
Blue Gnoll Attacks Kronus -due to attacking after falling off his mount. Miss!
The Hyenadon is confused by what is happening and does not attack this round.
Hajar moves to the crucified woman and will begin untying her next round.
Hajar double moves forward to the anger of the trogs.
Selina hangs limply from the cross, the pain coursing through her body too much for her mind to process, as she drifts in and out of consciousness. Sudden movement and sounds of battle force her to fight through her delirium and she musters all her strength to raise her head and see a male figure approach her. Her beaten, bruised, and bloody face looks up to look at the figure, her lips parched, "Father....is that you? Help..." Then her head falls back down in frustration, her strength drained.
Iryna hurries just behind Hajar towards the poor soul nailed to the door. As she gets closer, she realizes it might be Selina from that ill fated caravan! As the paladin begins untying the poor girl, Iryna says, "Careful, we don't know how badly hurt she is!"
They have gone this round so I am just waiting on Grim and Raj. For a bit Till we go to round 2.
Start your Round 2 actions!
Raj And Grim have 2 Round 2 Actions. So Raj can cast 2 spells or Grim could double move and climb the wall.
To be clear the Trogs are up on a stone wall of an old gatehouse throwing javelins down at you. So to Melee them you will need to climb the wall.
Next Round
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Kronus is upon Gnoll guard, tumbling as he hits the ground in a crouched position. He growls and bears his teeth, picking the Gnoll up with a swipe attempting to rip its Heart out through the chest cavity...
He then positions himself behind the body of the Gnoll guard stalking the creature with bloody claws and teeth.
The Gnoll guard dies from The bite attack.
The second claw hits the Heyenadon for 10 damage.
Since you did a full round action you can't do the 5 foot step so I moved you back to where you were. Also just noticed the Heyniadons are Large Creatures.
The giant beast attacks you with a bite of its own! ..
Kronus goes to -9!