Against the Cult of the Reptile God - Group 1 (Inactive)

Game Master Chainmail

Fort Save DC 17: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"Fine, then! You go get your ass torn off," glared Strang at Terion. Strang then stepped away from the snake that had just bitten him and fell back to Romne and Ama, blood and venom spurting out of two disturbingly serious snake-fang puncture wounds all the way.

Withdraw, which will still provoke an AoO from leaving the second threatened space.

Status hp 8/19, AC 17

Who's up?

Strang attempts to dodge acrobatically Acr vs CMD 19: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

He draws a response hit/damage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13, but the snake hits his armor a glancing blow, not able to penetrate.

The snake focuses on Terion and lunges at the fighter and bites Terion 10hp + FORT 17DC save.
hit/damage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

The two trussed prisoners are tossed in front of the other snakes, but the snakes seem to ignore them for now. Bizzlemont's illusion has convinced the trogs to retreat for now leaving the snake as the main threat. Having claimed a reptilian prize, he has tasted human flesh and left some nasty venom coursing through Terion's system.

Party up!

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 -> I would be surprised if I could make that one - DC17 dang! That's high.

Taking a nasty bite from the snake, Terion responds by moving further into the room, drawing his shield, and launching another attack at the creature.

Moving into the room, hope the snake doesn't have Combat Reflexes - probably squeezing still in G41-H41, drawing shield, and swinging sword at the snake.

"G*++$$n thing!"

Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 4 = 11Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Nodding to herself at the situation, Ama took a step forward with Terion, reaching out to touch him as she converted a spell into something more immediately helpful to Terion. He was facing a lot of hurts, and with Strang having backed out due to his injuries, there was going to have to be some help given else they ran the risk of losing another friend.

After casting the healing spell, she made ready to enter the fight.
Shield of Faith ==>CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Ama heals Terion as he feels a little weaker. Weakened by the poison his swing is wide CON loss of 1d2 ⇒ 2 with 2 temp max hp loss

Strang and Bizzlemont discuss their options.

The troglodytes are grabbing eggs and running away while the snake seems the only foe left.

He snaps at Terion again.

bite/damage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The snake misses and continues to hiss in frustration.

Party up.

Two trussed captives are left on the ground as the troglodytes pack up for a quick departure.

Bizzlemont jumps up and down as he sees the Trogs retreat from his snakes. He stops concentrating on them, though the snakes remain writhing. He points a finger at the real snake and fires a blob of acid.

Ranged Touch (Cover, Melee): 1d20 + 3 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 4 - 4 = 11
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Dizzy from the loss of blood, and the poisonous bite, Terion feels himself falter for a split second, but is stil able to acknowledge his companion's effort to keep him on his feet - "Thank you Ama" - he offers in a deep, calm voice - "Now... If I could just chop this son of a..." - he finishes with a much more angrier tone.

Sword Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 4 = 11Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Sigh...

Ramne, the old wizard, is gesturing with his hands. A disembodied hand appears by a trussed hobbit and he attempts to manipulate the hand to untie the ropes.
dex: 1d20 ⇒ 3
"My hands aren't what they used to be!!"

Bizzlemont strikes the snake and it sizzles as acid burns a small hole in its hide. Terion misses and tries to resist the poison Another FORT DC17 attempt

Ama and Strang have not gone--snake goes Monday

Ama was torn. Her last attempts with the glaive had not turned out so well to the point that she was probably going to give up on the weapon entirely once they were free of this. She stepped up to aid Terion in dealing with the snake, only to fail in her attack as the snake simply moved out of the way of her attack. Certainly feeling less than effective, Ama practically screamed in frustration.
attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Strang draws his loaded light crossbow and fires past Terion into a narrow window at the snake. 1d20 ⇒ 8

Ramne tries to manipulate the ropes to set the hobbit captive free. 1d20 ⇒ 19

The crossbow clatters off the wall and the snake resume its onslaught.

attack vs Terion/damage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
confirm vs Terion/damage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

The snake bites deeply and the warrior falls.

Ramne shouts as the large fighter goes down, "Nooo"
He confesses: "I am saving my best magic for the Queen of this place."

A small hobbit desperately tries to free himself from his bonds. Prone, unarmored, and unarmed, he thinks twice before standing up.

Ramne opens a book and reads a page.
Four bolts of force steer themselves past Ama and hope in on the snake striking him in four different spots.
4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 2) + 4 = 13

The snake staggers and totters to the ground.

Bizzlemont realizes that Ramne has read the page of a spellbook in desperation. The magic runes fade from the page forever.

Combat Over--all survivors level 3

The party retreats with their new captives and Terion's body with sadness. Whiskers guides the group to the bustling city nearby and Terion's body is placed in the sanctuary of Iomedae.

After the prayers of the faithful are concluded, Terion emerges from the shrine with a large pinkish scar with many teeth marks on his left shoulder.

Ramne takes Bizzlemont to Festus' magic emporium, and Bizzlemont is excited to learn his new spells. Ramne sends the halfling to purchase some equipment with a large gem (worth 500gp). He hands the halfling a worn small longsword with the symbol of Iomedae in the pommel. The longsword is made of cold iron, is of masterwork quality, and gleams with light when drawn. Cold iron, +1 small longsword, produces light when drawn

Ama finds a small shrine to Shelyn and prays there for some time.

Ramne opens up somewhat. "The goddess Iomedae has taken particular interest in cleansing the evil you fight. I was told to give this magic weapon to the one who could wield it. I was expecting a child, but a halfling warrior does make more sense. I was told the sword would shine even more brightly when we met the queen of evil down below."

Upon seeing Terion returned. "The Inheritor has decreed that one who falls will return even stronger. I do not if you have chosen a divine patron, but at this time, it appears a divine patron has chosen you!"

I think Terion just died... He had 5hp, and took 22 (!!) damage in last round.... -17hp? Dead. Right? Or was that a ressurrection? :D

EDIT: Just read the discussion post :D I am happy that Terion still lives - he deserves it! I can roll another character though if you prefer GM Tribute.

That was some dues ex machina -- Time to level to 3 and prepare to find the queen. Returned from the dead by Iomedae may make some drastic changes to Terion's beliefs besides the occasional desire to wield a longsword.

Your gift is too kind, I thank you. Give me two hours, and I will return with equipment that is befitting of this cause. I take it you will be returning into that place, to eradicate that which lives in there?

Cole bristles at the mention of a 'child', clearly annoyed, but holds his tongue before disappearing for a couple of hours. Upon his return, he appears transformed, armour shirted and with lance and shield rounding out his weapons. A dog, barely older than a puppy follows behind him, and is clearly a little nervous, even though it is nearly as tall as Cole is. The breed appears to be some kind of wolf/Alsatian cross

Gnasher, sit! The dog plomps its butt down immediately, giving off the appearance that it was stuck to the ground in its eagerness. Good boy, heel

During my training I was taught how to ride into battle, and after those things killed off my previous companion, I wished to replace him with a slightly younger model. Now, when do we eat?

There was much thinking done by Ama on the time that was spent in town. Aside from divesting herself of everything that she did not use, which meant the pair of glaives were donated back to the temple, and her old armor was sold, there was much focus and meditation spent on that extra presence in her head. She had left a message with her companions on where she could be found, and then dedicated herself to relearning everything she could in the time they had with a focus on integrating everything together. They had lost several companions to this horrible endeavor, and it was entirely possible that at some points, that could have been changed by her actions.

Currently, she was seated in a temporary room in the temple, having cast a pair of creatively applied spells in the attempt to figure out what the presence in her head was. The senior priests had suggested an exorcism, but Ama was not sure. "You. You are in my head, and since I don't remember you being here before, you and I are going to communicate."

Her only response was a touch of awareness and a sense of a sardonically raised eyebrow.

"Don't you give me that attitude! You stayed out of the way when we were in that town and I appreciate you not distracting me and getting me-- us killed. However, you are in my domain, my head, and you need to start talking."

There was a sense that both eyebrows were now raised, but at least it was in surprise and consideration, followed by a sigh. The voice had a tinge of "male" to it, and Ama was a bit unnerved. 'To be fair, I think this is my head as well, but fine. What do you want to know?'

Taken aback by the response, she took a second to get her composure back. 'Who are you and what are you doing in my head, for starters.'

While Ama could not quite perceive what the Entity? Presence? was thinking, she did catch wisps of images and trails of thought nuanced by emotion. Most of the images were vastly unfamiliar. 'I had a name, but seeing as how I'm in your head, that really isn't important, I think. I...'[/oo], uncertainty, apprehension. [ooc]'I created you.'

That statement alone caused Ama to lose her focus, and with that, she lost the clarity of the connection, her eyes snapping open and the proximity of its (his?) presence receding.

The elder wizard leads you to a tavern with inn and pull out a worn purse and places a platinum coin in the hands of the proprietor.

"Rooms, food and drink for my friends."

He comments:
"This stay will go better than your first stay in my home town."

Terion hadn't spoken much after his close run in with death the days before - not that the man's fiery attitude had changed, simply he seemed more lost in thought than usual for the straightforward man.

Getting back to the inn is also somewhat disturbing - "Last time we were here, the reception was less than warm" - he comments looking around at the patrons and the owner with a defiant look - "I had my mind set on coming back and laying this place to the ground... I hope at least part of the pernicious influence the cult had here has vanished, or I may still revert to that state of mind"

The offer of food and drink always bring a smile to the man's face, and so it is this time around - "Thank you for the offer friend - it feels like I haven't held a cold beer in my hands for ages" - he comments with a laugh as he downs the beverage.

You will have to tell me this story of the first town over a meal. Let us break bread. Would it be possible to get some steak for Gnasher as well? I suspect he would rather have it blue if possible. For myself, whatever you have will be fine, and another ale would be most appreciated.

He comes over towards Terion, and sizes the man up briefly.

Thank you. I appreciate you giving my life back to me. Those creatures would have killed me, and believe it or not, I am rather attached to my life. Let us drink to life eh He joins Terion in drinking.

Terion offers a broad smile to the halfling - "Heh, the first time set our heads to sleep in that accursed, backstabbing place, we were captured and dragged into a dungeon or prison not far from there - fortunately enough we were assisted by a pair of elves that managed our release, while our friend Ramne funded us some new gear" - he winks at Ramne.

"So, now we are paying them back in kind, slowly, and some of our initial group have already fallen, but we are still here!" - he nods at Ama, Strang and Bizzle - "And we are not done with them just yet!" - he roars - "So no need to thank us, and yes friend, I will toast to life with you" - he downs his drink, and refills his mug - "And then I will toast again to bashing their heads in!" - he laughs loudly and raises his mug.

May Iomedae grant us the strength to defeat our enemies and bring the light of the law to the land. May no peasant continue to live in fear whilst we have the strength in our sword arms and our backs to prevent this from happening. And may there always be good steak in the taverns and inns we frequent so that Gnasher becomes good and strong Cole raises his glass and follows his new friend's lead.

Gnasher perks up his ears when he hears his name mentioned, but otherwise continues to tuck in heartily.

"It will be so friend" - Terion toasts with the halfling, and the others around the table.

It will only be so if we remain ever vigilant and work towards the goal. The forces of evil need but a moment to undo years of work. Cole looks glum for a moment, but soon recovers.

Ramne turns out to be quite the drinker. He even convinces the tavern wench to perform a jig with him as the musicians begin to play some music. His movements are clumsy and arthritic, but he begins to smile as he drinks and eats the wonderful skewers of seasoned meat.

He speaks of a time years ago, when four friends journeyed into a den of the beast that consumed a large amount of beasts and maidens throughout the countryside.
"We attempted to subdue the wyrm with its red scales and claws. Rather than strike to kill it, we struck to cower it and make it obey us. When we were done, the docile beast packed the bodies of Guzzlegut the dwarven rager, Seli the elven huntress, and Goodhammer the pious cleric of Iomedae on her back. I was a rich man, but also a poor man. A tame dragon built my fortune and fame, but that was so long ago."

Noticing a certain gloom over Cole's semblant, Terion comments with a good natured clap on the halfling's shoulder - "And now we have you!"

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

Listening intently to Ramne's words, there is a gleam on Terion's eyes - "The loss of friends is a terrible burden to bear. And one I believe stays with us all our lives... But REALLY? You managed to subdue a drake? Now THAT is what I call a righteous spanking!" - he cannot help a huge smile.

Reds are a powerful one to battle, congratulations to your friends for being able to take it and tame the thing. A righteous spanking indeed.

And now you have me indeed, but that doesn't absolve you all of the same kind of responsibility to the same goals. I am defined by the company that I keep, or at least Father Frank would have me believe. I miss him sometimes.

"And I bet magic was a key part of winning that battle against the drake, am I right?" The little gnome returns after hours of studying in his room all day. He climbs up on the stool and nods at the similarly sized halfling.

"Well, while all of you have been here feasting, I've made some discoveries. Some new spells which might be able to help. I was playing with my Blinding Ray and figured out how to transfer the effect to an area. Plus, I think I've worked out a way to misdirect attacks. It might be especially helpful to you, Terion."

Are there scrolls or other magic items at the Emporium?

Ramne is known at magic emporium.
Level 1 scrolls at CL1 sell for 22.5gp.
Level 2 scrolls at CL3 sell for 135gp.

Ama meets the leading priest of Shelyn, a petite woman with an imposing stare. She assesses Ama quietly for two minutes before breaking out in a radiant smile.

"Welcome to our chapel. The clergy of Iomedae are in arms about a visit by an avatar of the Inheritor to this area. I do not know the details, but they are excited."

The priestess presents Ama a vial of holy water. "Please, take this to aid you. You have the look of one who may need it."

At the Magic Emporium---
"Your party is creating quite a stir. The Church of Iomedae is looking for the two warriors 'twice born'."

He scratches his head.
"Anyway, I have a deal for you. This wand is used, but still works"
Wand of magic missiles CL1 for 80gp with 5 charges left.

With nothing better to do, and not known for being tactful, but instead a tad overprotective of his companions, Terion just tags along wherever they go, following both Ama into the temple, and afterwards Bizzle into the Magical Emporium, always with a million questions about divinity, magical items and everything else.

Cole follows with the rest of the group to the two stores, but remains quiet, listening far more than he speaks.

The party continues its purchases and heads back to where they last were. The trogs have evacuated from the complex, as evidenced by an empty egg hatchery on the right. But, farther up to the right, the next room is filled with many small hissing mudvipers.

Think swarms of the ones you met earlier

Ahead you can see the large cavern complex the troglodytes inhabited with a few side rooms bends to the left.

We're back!!

Ramne sighs: "Do we want to tangle with the little vipers?"

Map updated---Paging Strang

Best leave the viper things where they are. We can always come back to deal with them later.

Cole waits for a moment, then steeling his nerve, proceeds into the lair, nervous, but sword out, and Gnasher doing his best to look frightening.

Initiative
Terion1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Strang1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Cole1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Ama1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Bizzlemont1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Ramne1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Enemy11d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

As the party moves north they notice what appears to be a small but ferocious reptile.

Order of Action
Cole+Gnasher/Ama/Ramne
Bonesnapper the Trex
All
Bonesnapper the Trex

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Back away from the beast! I calculate that its chain isn't long enough to reach the back wall. If we stay along it, we may be safe."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Terion observes the beast and its chains carefully from a distance, trying to understand what they are up against, and if the chain can be released or distended by some unseen mechanism.

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Bah!

"I wouldn't mind taming me one of those" - he jests as he starts inching along the southern wall.

Feed that beast a leg, and I am sure it will be tamed. Be careful however that the leg is not your own.

Cole follows around carefully, keeping Gnasher on a very tight leash.

As three slip by the small but powerful reptile lunges at the others.

Save Reflex DC Post

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Terion does not need a Reflex?

Posting was sufficient. A little joke: Reflex DC Post

Strang stays behind in the rearguard to watch the ferocious little monster while the rest scoot by avoiding the gaping jaws. His companions wonder if he made it.

The party emerges in another underground lake.

This huge cavern is lit by a ghostly green glow emanating rom the eight columns supporting the vaulted ceiling. A rather large flatbottomed boat is set at he shore of the pool before you, and the water seems to occupy most of the cavern. The boat has a long pole inside that has some of it protruding from the side of the boat.

Coles new sword begins to pulse steadily as you approach the boat.

Ramne speaks in a hush: "We are close to the Queen! I hope Strang made it past the reptile guard."

The loud snarling of the reptile and bellowing from his nostrils makes sense. That was the Queen's watch dog.

Climactic battle ahead

Ramne hisses: "Let us get in the boat. Our destiny awaits!!"

He smiles and adds "Been nice meeting you if something happens, but we meet the Queen of ALL EVIL today!!"

The forces of evil are close. Be careful all of you. Cover each others backs. I picked up a potion of healing whilst I was in town. Bizzlemont, take it, use it if you need. He passes the cure light wounds potion to Ama

Terion, may this potion keep you safe. Drink it before the fight begins. he passes a potion of mage armour to Terion.

Ama, same as with Terion. This potion should keep you safe, drink it just before the fight begins, it should keep you safe for the duration of the fight. He passes another potion of mage armour to Ama.

I also have two potions to hand out, they give a small edge, allow a weapons blade to fall truer, better. Who wants them?

Ramne smiles at Cole and pats him on the head.
"I will cast some protection for use. Stray too far from me at your own peril."

Ramne casts as the boat begins to near the far shore. A globe of scintillating colors surrounds him in a ten foot sphere.

Ama bowed her head and began to sing as Ramne completed his spell. There were no words in the notes, but there was a soft, buoying melody that lingered with them as the spell she invoked settled about them. It was a touch of favor, the faint scent of a rose lingered about them before it dissipated. They were bolstered, just a bit. There was a second spell that she would cast, once they were on the ground and off of the boat.

Bless cast +1 to Attack Rolls, and vs. Fear saves