During the night's downtime, Sefayll will study the fallen giant's spellbook once more, transferring a couple of spells to her spellbook.
"Once we cross the col, we'll need to be more careful - it'll be downhill all the way to Jorgenfist, meaning that their sentries can see things like campfires and smoke plumes. Once we cross, it'll be hardtack and cold camps. We'll also need to stay off the giant road. They'll be watching that for sure."
I wanna check out that bowl first. Thinking more, the saddle looks like a common way of egress, so I reckon the bowl would be off to the side more and not in the direct route of a giant's thoroughfare. Assuming it's not already claimed.....
At Hudak's urging, the group ascend the valley for another hour. It is getting quite dark by the time they arrive. The cwm is about a quarter of a mile across, the far side lost in shadow. In the bottom sits a small tarn of still, cold water, out of which trickles the stream that becomes the Coal River.
To the east is the pass into the Muschkal watershed. This close, a switchback path can be seen climbing the cliff to the top.
"This looks like a good spot. Illes, can you conjure up another of those campsite domes? That way, we can at least have a campfire tonight. If that trail is anywhere near as steep as it looks, tomorrow will be an epic trek. We'll need all the sleep we can get tonight."
"Unless Mokmurian is a complete idiot, there will be sentries on top of the cliff. Wizards, do you have any way of checking out the top of the trail from afar?"
"Sounds good."
Watch schedule.....Hudak, then Alwyn, then Illes, then Camlo, then Sefayll. How's that sound?
Peering up at the aforementioned cliff, the enchantress shakes her head. "Divination has never been my strong suit. The only means I have of investigating the ridge other than sending a scout is to listen for thoughts, which is limited in range. Far too limited to use from here."
The party settle down for the night, esconced once more in Illes' magical campsite protection.
The night passes quietly. Up here it is very cold, and the wind periodically sighs about the crags and ruffles the surface of the tarn. The night is bright with stars but the breath of those on watch steams in the chilly night air. But nothing disturbs the rest of the group and dawn turns the sky grey, then pink, as the sun begins to rise.
"I wonder what those stars really are." looks at the fire; "Maybe they're campfires?"
"Aye, of an army vast."
"My grandfather used to say they were the souls of great heroes burning bright."
"Maybe.....our souls will end up up there....."
The adventurers break camp and head for the path up the col. It is another giant-made stairway snaking up the side of the rise. The steps are high for a humans, making it another arduous climb. The sun rises gradually, and in the morning this side of the valley is in shadow.
"Dragon! Coming with the sun behind him!"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, there it is. Red dragon, coming right for us."
init
"Batter up! Somebody make me fly? Case this dipshit doesn't want to land and give us a fair swing at his head?"
"Actually, I can. Only you, though - so don't get into too much trouble up there, as I won't be able to rescue you."
"I just don't want it strafing us with impunity."
Illes init
Hudak'll take P 15, with his mule in no 14-15.
Illes is on it.
"What the..." Illes dips to the side using the mule as cover for the dragon's blast of fire but when he pops back up the grin on his face is oddly out of place- possibly even maniacal. "Whooo! Look alive boys! Today is the day you become legends!!!"
Reflex
I don't believe I can roll this save since I'm surprised, but wtf.....
nts waiting for confirmation before I tally damage.....
not that it would matter.
damage tallied at 28 hp.
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 9th
Slot shoulders; Price 2,800 gp; Weight 1 lb.
DESCRIPTION
Wearing this animal-hair cloak grants a +1 resistance bonus on saving throws and a +2 enhancement bonus to CHA. Furthermore, the wearer can force his teeth to grow rapidly up to five times per day as a swift action. The oversized teeth last for 1 round, during which time the wearer can make a bite attack. Treat this attack as a primary natural attack that deals 1d6 points of damage (or 1d4 if the wearer is Small). If the wearer already has a bite attack, the damage of that bite attack increases by one step.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Craft Wondrous Item, alter self, resistance; Cost 1,250 gp.
Just a word on "primary natural attack". That means that, if it is the only attack you make, you get your full attack bonus and full STR bonus to hit and damage. However, you are probably more likely to attack with your teeth as part of the full round attack (it effectively gives you an additional attack as part of a full round attack) which makes it a "secondary natural attack". On that basis, your attack bonue with the bite is at -5 to your normal attack bonus and the damage is half your full STR damage bonus. These rules are summarised here.
"It is a small token, but hopefully useful."
Camlo slides himself into a narrow crack int he stone and takes no damage from the Dragons fire...
Camlo recklassly jumps at the dragons neck in an attempt to get on it's back, or at least make it crash....
Illes mule collapses under him, and the other one give an equine shriek before falling on the path.
Bye bye, mules!!!
gotcha.
The dragon gives a roar of surprise as thorny briars explode out of nowhere to grasp at it.