Carpy DM runs Serpent's Skull!

Game Master Wellard

"Right. Well this is what Rollo's good for. Honestly prefer to ahve him tracking wild boar." Taking the dog over to the plant woman he lets the dog get a good sniff of the body before giving a sharp command in varisian. The dog barks as it puts its nose to the ground and snuffles the humid jungle air while jaws snatch any unfortunate small mammals it happens to catch. Caithan follows close behind giving the animal encouragement and cutting through the thicker foliage to give the big dog room.

Caithan Aid another survival to Rollo 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Rollo's Track: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 3 = 27

Atzi inspects the shoddy weapons recovered from the savages and nods in agreement with Setebo's assessment. "I agree with Setebo about arming ourselves with a few more types of weapons. I am also interested in setting up some... traps for the savages of the island. Its time we showed them how afraid we really are of them and that their tribe is no longer dominant on this isle. But first we deal with this vile plant. You say we have oil and we could probably use it to set them aflame when we fight them. Perhaps we should time it for just before the rainfall. That way if the fire moves out of control we can rest assure that the rains will douse it before it can take hold."

She smiled roguishly as she went about the task of helping hunt down the strange plant they had spoke of.

Survival: Tracking 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Survival: Predict Weather 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Natalyah covers the rear of the party as you follow Rollo..you go perhaps half a mile through the jungle and then the dog stops and whines.
.

You stand on the edge of an irregular clearing perhaps 50' across which allows the sun to beat down upon a field of wilted-looking plants, their leaves a sickly, diseased yellow.

A large, bulbous plant and its tall-stalked, twitching yellow flowers loom in the center of the clearing surrounded by a trio of human figures.

The grid is numbered for 5' squares each large square is 10' across. If Dabbler can work the map magic please.You are on the south side of the clearing

I'll set initiatives just now
Amisi 20
Atzi 12
Cutlass 10
Natalyah 8
Helga 7
Setebo 5
Caithen 4
Creeper 3
Zombies 2

That might just be the single worst collection of initiatives I have ever seen..anywhere..

Joseph Conrad's hairdresser! How many ones did you roll?
Nice map but I can only see the 10' squares and the zombies are noteable by their absence. But then they can be sneeky so that is good. Could you give coordinates for them?

I'll have a clearer map together later tonight!

I'll have a clearer map together later tonight!

Cool, and thank you for doing this. The color, trees and plants look great by the way.

At the edge of the clearing Setebo waits wih the others. He listens for movement and tries to sense the wind direction. It would be bad for a sudden gust to blow the mind-pollen into the group.

Note this is pre round one. The careful looking about could explain the 1 on initiative though.

Phew! Big field of battle Wellard! Here's the map at a larger scale. Positions please ...

@Setebo: I only do the basics..Dabbler, who is much better at the techy stuff, does the fine work

@ Dabbler.The Plant is only medium sized..large was a relative description..and it's position is L6 as I indicated on the original map..sorry mate should have been clearer.Zombies at L5,K7,M7. I agree it's a large battle map but believe it or not it's cropped from the original..CC3 only lets you build certain sizes of map.

@Setebo: I only do the basics..Dabbler, who is much better at the techy stuff, does the fine work

@ Dabbler.The Plant is only medium sized..large was a relative description..and it's position is L6 as I indicated on the original map..sorry mate should have been clearer.Zombies at L5,K7,M7. I agree it's a large battle map but believe it or not it's cropped from the original..CC3 only lets you build certain sizes of map.

And you both do excellent work.(You too Helga!) I am sorry if my post sounded in any way critical. Teach me to post in headache season.

Atzi and Quetza joined Setebo at the edge of the clearing and quietly spat as she looked at the unnatural plant that dominated the clearing "I think fire would be good, burn the pollen and these abominations before it can infect us..."

Atzi will be at L-14 and Quetza will be at M-14

Quetza gives a low hiss as he stares into the clearing ahead of Atzi.

No probs, here is the revised map.

Helga hangs back in J17, drawing a bead on the zombie in M7.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Put Natalyah in L17, Caithen and Rollo up beside Atzi and the others in between them and Helga/Natalyah

You get a surprise round so you can post a single action for that and a full round for round 1 at the same time

So, here are our starting positions!

Having taken action to get the attention of the Zombies, Helga starts to sing ... using inspire courage for +1 to everyone's attack, damage and saves.

Seeing the zombies and plant Caithan laughs as he fires his bow. "Good dog!" Another short clipped command and the dog halted his ears flattening and a low growl escapign the dogs jaws as it sights the zombies.

Attack zombie at K7

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 my kingdom for a mighty composite bow!
1d8 ⇒ 7

Round 1:

2nd Volley

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
1d8 ⇒ 7

Tell dog to Defend me.
Drop bow.
Draw sword.

Rollo readies to attack zombie if it comes within reach.

Nice map. I love the dog icon.

Suprise round. move 5'forward to n,14. Drop long-spear and draw javelin.
Currently armed with broken saber and javelin

Round 1
AC 15 HP 23
Effects. Bard Song

"I thank you for the target captain."

Seemingly moving in time to Helga's lilting song Setebo steps forward draws a javelin from the quiver on his back and with an audible grunt of effort sends it towards the plant creature. Aiming for a point just above and to the right of the captain's arrow.

Standard action. Throw first javelin at k7 plant-person (song and range included) 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 - 2 = 22. Damage (song included) 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11.

Move action. Draw second javelin

Natalyah nocks an arrow and lets it fly at the plant itself then moves to O15 and fires again.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Miss

I'll wait till everyone has posted their actions before resolving the rounds.

Sorry to be late. Real life is difficult right now and my GM duties seem to take precedence.

Surprise round:
Amisi moves forward to M11

"I can burn them - but I need someone protecting me after the spell."

Plan is to move to L9 next round and cast burning hands.

Edit just see Round 1 action at the same time. Need to check my action isnt conflicting.

Amisi brashly runs forward and casts Burning hands at L9 - engulfing two zombies as well as the plant.

Damage 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5 using bonded item and using an alchemist fire

Reflex DC16 for half damage

One creature (Amisis choice) which fails the saving throw will catch fire as if hit by Alchemist fire - see Adventures Armoury. Preferably the plant.

"Take that and burn you foul undead."

Should maximize damage but not sure what happens next if they attack me ...

With Amisi running into the mind pollen like that Setebo will likely change his action. Pity to loose that damage so I am waiting to see what the other higher init folks do.

I think Amisi forgot about the bit of the plan where we make them come to us, to avoid the pollen, not the other way around ;) ...

So all the frontliners opt to sit back and blink away with arrows as planned and the caster goes. "I got this!" Then runs right up in their face and upsets all of them.

Mind you if this works we will feel so silly. Wizards do have good will saves so there may be a method to her madness.

Still waiting for Atzi and Cutlass..if I hear nothing by this afternoon I'll DMPC them

You're sure you want Amisi to destroy the plan Jens? If not I'll let you retcon her actions.

Atzi gives a curse as Amisi charges into the clearing and with no other choice she raises her shortspear and lobs it at the closest opponent.

Surprise round throw shortspear 1d20 ⇒ 3

When her shortspear comes up way short she turns and in a strange language speaks to Quetza.

free action: defend Amisi

With a gruff sigh Quetza surges forward and moves to defend Amisi. He snaps his teeth at the offending creatures, more out of wariness as Quetza was unnerved by their scent and unnatural state.

Normal round 1 actions

Quetza ready action: attack whatever gets close to Amisi 1d20 ⇒ 3

As Quetza let loose a deafening shriek of defiance at his nearby enemies. Atzi cursed again, she was not pleased to place Quetza in harms way but it could not be helped. She pulled out another shortspear and lobbed it at the nearest foe to Quetza.

MA: draw shortspear

SA: throw shortspear 1d20 ⇒ 16

sorry I can't check the map at the moment posting on my phone sorry for the wait.

Ok waited for Cutlass long enough. 1 post evey ten days just isn't good enough in this game.

Amisi dashes forward to your horror the plan seemingly forgotten.

Cutlass. moves forward to K13 on the surprise round with a bag in his hand.Then seeing Amisi move forward he drops the bag and rushes forward to K9 drawing his short sword.
"Kallakan will protect you Pretty one"

Only Helga manages to score a hit in the surprise round but the second volley does better..one Zombie falls burnt by Amisi's fire and pierced by Caithen and Setebo's missiles. One other zombies and the plant are burnt as well flames licking over the noxious green of the Plants flowers.

In response the plant erupts a cloud of pollen at Amisi..the pretty young Wizard stands as if dazed.

Will save DC141d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The Zombie like servants of the plant close on Amisi, Cutlass and Quetza the latter (in M9) snapping ineffectually at his attacker who prepares to launch heavy blows at him with their fists.

Zombie in M7 down.L4 moves to M8, K7 to K8

Helga advances to I-14 and sings onward, weaving gestures and words into her song. White frost appears on the ground in front of Amisi and Quetzl. Casting grease on the ground in front of the wizard, covering L9, M9, L8 and M8. Save DC14 Reflex.

"Now's a good time for that oil!"

Round 2
Effects: bard song

Quetza's shriek of defiance is cut short as the blows rain down on him. He fought back as hard as he could while trying to defend the strange creature near him as Atzi had asked of him.

SA: Bite attack 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Bite damage 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 = 3

Atzi growled as Quetza started to take blows, these things were going to burn for injuring him. With two of her spears gone she was forced to resort to calling upon natures cleansing wrath to strike out at the vile plant in the clearing.

SA: Produce Flame: ranged touch on plant 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 1 = 21

damage 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Amisi takes a faltering step towards the plant the Zombies seemingly ignoring her.

The plant burns brightly.1d6 ⇒ 3 A fire that Atzi adds to with her Magic.Quetza snaps at the zombie before him but just fails to connect

btw Atzi I think you have Quetza's attacks wrong +2bab-1 STR +1 Song=+2 overall

Cutlass stabs at the Zombie in his forward arc the blade punches deep but seems not to do as much damage as it should.

Short Sword1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 Damage1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Critical confirm 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 No confirmation.

Natalyah moves forward cursing under her breath in Elvish at the breakdown of the plan and firing at the blazing plant again..

Longbow 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Somehow the plant manages to twist out of the way of the arrow and it flies off into the jungle.

Helga rushes towards the combat and the sheen of grease covers the ground where the Zombies and Amisi stand

Zombie 1 save 1d20 ⇒ 6
Zombie 2 save 1d20 ⇒ 18
Amisi save 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Amisi and one of the zombies tumble to the ground..Amisi doesn't utter a sound as she does such is her entrancement.

Setebo and Caithen up then the bad guys if there are any left.

All

Apology - I knew it was foolish after I posted and read what everyone else was doing. But it felt like cheating to go back and change my course of action.

On the bright side - I think the plant won't kill but just eats Amisis brains. You should have lots of time while the plant feasts.

Might want to adjust yourself a touch Helga you are currently standing on an angry dog H14 is clear however.

Hate bots. They grab items when you don't want them, use them when they don't need to, adn ruin your charges :/ Anyway can we get an updated map?

Cursing and muttering to himself as the plan simply unravels in the wizards recklessness. He's even further annoyed as Cutlass rushes forward ahead of him and prevents Caithan and Rollo from getting in there with jaws and blade. Grumbling he marches forward without the exuberance of combat giving a clipped aggressive word the dog leaps as if it had been bound by some invisible barrier and barrels into the zombie attempting to take it off its feet.

Rollo will charge to J9.

1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 25
1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 Trip attempt

Caithan will move to K8 eating an AoO in the process.

No AoO's from zombies..limited to one action a round

Rollo brings the other zombie down his teeth worrying at the vine encrusted leg

Remember also Bite counts as all weapon types so the Zombies DR just doesnt count against Rollo and Quetza..if the latter could hit

Lying on the ground Amisi looks up with blank eyes - not knowing what is going on.

To be fair - you made the plan while I was in the US and someone above shouted fire is good. I'm not trying to be chaotic deliberately.

Sorry, I know this is risky but this is how Setebo would react. He's a loyal little bugger.

Round 2
AC 15 HP 23 saves Ref+2 Fort+5 Will+1
Effects, bard song

"Amisi!"

Free action. Drop javelin.

Move & standard actions. Move to L,10. Grab Amisi and carry/drag her back towards the group. Not sure how to do this so here are some rolls if needed. Grapple, song included 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 17. Ref save for ice if needed, song included 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8. Will save for pollen, song included 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 1 = 14

Something Natalyah got wrong there theres no pollen cloud..just a directed jet from the plant that can only affect one person at a time. yopu cant get Amisi From L10 though because she moved into L8 this round. However I can reinterpret your actions like this..

Setebo thows himself bodily on top of Amisi his hands defending the Wizard with his own flesh.

The zombies attempt to rise from the ground provoking attacks from Cutlass and the animals. Only Quetza hits though

Cutlass1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Quetza 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 Damage 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Rollo 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Some fiendish force enables the zombies to regain their feet however

Zombie 1 stands..1d20 ⇒ 15

Zombie 2 stands...1d20 ⇒ 20

The plant driven by some biological imperative that overrides it's preservation instinct sends tendrils of creepers towards Amisi trying to push through her mouth, nose and ears to her brain but Setebo fends them off

Round 3

Amisi 20
Atzi 12
Cutlass 10
Natalyah 8
Helga 7
Setebo 5
Caithen 4
Creeper 3
Zombies 2

Damage on Z1 7points

Damage on Z2 7 points

Damage on Plant 22 points

Amisi comes out of her daze..to find Setebo on top off her.(you may act this round)

I'm back and can once again post regulary. I'm pleased to see that Natalyah is still alive, although she's softened up in my absence :)

I'm abit unsure of the positioning so my actions are abit vague

Round 3, initiative 8
With the planned ranged battle turned into a melee, Natalyah drops her bow (free action) and enters combat drawing her blades on the way (move action to position myself between the zombies and Amisi, if possible + draw short sword and dagger).

Amisi wakes from a daze.

She smiles to Setebo in a sheepish way as if she just did something stupid.

To the best of what I can see from the posts above, here's where everyone now stands.

Still maintaining her song, Helga races forward to I-8 and hurls a flask of alchemist's fire at the burning creeper.

Attack (ranged touch): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3 fire.

... and on that roll, narrowly missing Amisi and Setebo instead.

Amisi tries to cast a spell - her current position not the best for spell casting.

I'm not sure if you regard me as grappled by Setebo - I just assume prone. If I'm grappled, then use the concentration check for the grapple instead.

Concentration check to cast defensively 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10

The feeble attempt to cast a Disrupt Undead fails miserably.

In her move action she 'plays dead' and raises an arm across her nose in case more pollen is coming her way.

... and on that roll, narrowly missing Amisi and Setebo instead.

Not the face! Not the face!

Amisi run! Setebo's voice is more guttural than usual.

Action Grapple plant-person M,8 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23. Note due to my crappy initiative I will still be providing flank for the Captains coming decapitation of plant-person K,8

"Should have stayed down." Caithan sweeps his blade and curses as his arm cramps from the lack of exercise and the venom still coursing in his veins.

1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 9 Pow attack derp
2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 7 + 1 = 15

Rollo continues to savage the zombie.

1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16
1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 trip attempt

Atzi growls as she moves forward and up behind Quetza as she tries to help him defeat his enemy. But she slipped on the strange plant matter in the clearing and wasn't able to assist him as she had hoped.

move to m-10
Aid Another 1d20 ⇒ 9

With Atzi behind him now Quetza redoubled his efforts with more vigor, he hadn't liked protecting the other two legs but he would not fail Atzi. As the zombie stood up, Quetza teeth clamped down on its foul head...

Quetza Bite attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

bite Damage 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

I think Natalyah should be in L9

Amisi fails in her casting, Quetza bites deep into the plant zombies flesh

Cutlass stabs at his opponent again but only causes a minor wound.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

critical confirm 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Natalyah slices the same zombie slightly as well.

Helga's throw goes wild 1d8 ⇒ 3the flask sailing past the plant and bursting on the withered vegetation in M3

Rollo savages Zombie 1 which goes down

Caithen fails to connect with the last Zombie and Setebo continues to fend off the plants tendrils.

Zombie 2 finally gets to aim a blow at Cutlass. It's a solid hit

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

the plant sends other vines to smash at Setebo.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Damage1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Round 4
Amisi 20
Atzi 12
Cutlass 10
Natalyah 8
Helga 7
Setebo 5
Caithen 4
Creeper 3
Zombies 2

Damage on Zombie 2 9points

Damage on plant 22 points

Seeing Amisi rush in Cutlass steps 5' and begins to summon a fire beetle into the midst of the battle.

Seeing the vines reach that far Amisi tries to cast defensivly again - this time targeting the plant with a Magic Missile.

Concentration check 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 15

But while she seems confident that she would have managed a Disrupt Undead spell - alas - the Magic Missile fizzles at her fingertips.

For a moment she contemplates to get up but rather feels she is safer on the ground - waiting for her comrades to earase the danger.

Helga maintains her song as she pulls out a second flask of alchemist's fire and hurls it at the plant:

Attack (ranged touch): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

A hit! A very palpable hit!

Aid Another Quetza's Attack 1d20 ⇒ 11
Quetza: bite attack +aid 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 2 = 24
Confirm Crit? 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10
Bite Damage 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Atzi continues to jab at the plant zombie and succeeds to drive it in the direction she wanted, just as Quetza found purchase on the vile creatures flesh once more. She gave a whoop of approval to her companion as he snapped his teeth in preparation for a killing blow. But sadly his bite wasn't significant, tearing off a loose piece of flesh on the zombies side.

Hmmmm, so circumstance bonuses stack right? Important to know now since Challenge and inspire courage both provide circumstance bonuses to the group.

Round 4
AC 13/15 HP 17/23 saves Ref+2 Fort+7 Will+3
Effects, bard song, rage 1 of 8

Did you miss the grapple on the plant zombie or did it move out of range? How do you feel about group init? TarkTX has a system that is working very well for hos CoT game.

The tendrils from the alien plant pierce Setebo's armor. Leaving a bloody pattern across his chest and arms.

Setebo's eyes flush red as he rips the plants free from his body. "No. MORE. NEEDLES!" Amisi Has quite the view as Setebo seems to grow. Joints pop and leather creaks as his arms grow longer and his jaw seems to extend. She feels a splash of hot blood and sees with some horror that Setebo's fingers have burst from within. Long powerful claws now flex in the shredded remains of his hands.

She does not have long to contemplate the change however as he is slammed into the ground as Setebo leaps off her and charges the burning plant.

Free action: Activating rage. First of eight rounds.
Full Attack action. 5' step to L,7 and attack plant-thing.
Acrobatics roll due to ice 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Claw 1, song included, 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 damage, song included, 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9Slashing.
Claw 2, song included, 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 damage, song included, 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8Slashing.