CrazyHedgehog's Serpent Skull

Game Master CrazyHedgehog

I may do more if I'm within striking range of the succubus, GM. Please let me know. If not, Quinta continues to stealth closer.

"Klorphraxus great, future dragon thane
Be not dragged down by lies and shame
Corrupt the soul and the body too
What else, what else would a demon do?
Raise you up to make you fall
Cut your tendons while you're standing tall
A platform she raises
A crown she proffers
Your eyes then she glazes
Your damnation not defers.

Klorphraxus great, future dragon thane
By one's efforts alone does one make a name
Break the mould and expectations, too
What could be easier for wise Klorphraxus now to do?
Green dragons reviled across the land?
'Tis time for Klorphraxus to take a stand!
A legend I'll sing from inn to inn
For you the golden bells shall ring
In honour of Klorphraxus' fame
All for honoured Klorphraxus, Demonbane!"

This is basically Diplomacy to persuade Klorphraxus that he can get ahead in a much more reliable manner if he becomes famous as a slayer of demons than if he walks the path to power suggested by Lani -- and it won't end with his soul damned to the Abyss after death. (Which I'm fairly sure would be Lani's endgoal for a certain young green dragon.)
Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Maintaining Inspire Courage +1!

Dragons - Round 7 continued
Zaghigoth holds fire, literally with a glowing orb of fire resting in his hand. He waits to see the outcome of the parley with the dragon, though it doesn't stop him inching towards the succubus to get a closer shot should she become the next target. Oshok'arr lopes along behind him.

Yekskya decides to play along with the unfolding drama and transfers his aim to the dragon. He shoots two cold iron arrows at her, one of which hits. She really doesn't like the cold iron, and a hint of worry flashes across her face. One hit, 14 points damage to the succubuss.

Stymied as he realizes the demoness understands draconic, Maudrill completes his summoning spells, calling forth another golden-winged eagle from the celestial planes. The two eagles stoop and harry the succubus, driving down towards the ground.

Krolmnite tries to get at the demoness, but the canny succubus is hovering just out of reach. The nagaji Hskoro cups his hands together and looks up at her malevolent form. "Gnome! Have your sword ready! I will give you a boost!" He indicates for you to place your foot in his cupped hands so that he can throw you at her. Basically she is hovering about 10 feet above you, not sure if with your greatsword you would be able to reach her. But help is at hand! Go ahead and make an attack roll.

Arriving back on the scene Rowena stops for a moment to take in the situation. It wouldn't do to attack someone who turns out to be an ally! Welcome back!

Quinta creeps closer, doing her best to conceal herself amongst the jungle underbrush but continuing her ode to the dragon newcomer. It hovers with powerful beats of its wings, basking in the flattery. "You speak pretty words, human. I will likely eat your friends, but I will let you live. Mellistra! I have what I want, and I grow weary of your tricks. Begone!" Quinta you are now 30 feet away from the succubus, getting closer.

I'll wait to get Krolmnite's attack (assuming he does want to be a flying gnome) as it will impact on the rest of the round. Progress is being made!

Updated Map

Initiative
18 - Khlorphraxus
17 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr
12 - Yekskya
8 - Maudrill
5 - Krolmnite
4 - Rowena
4 - Quinta
3 - Hskoro
3 - Mellistra

========

The gnome moves and climbs up, thankful for the lift. He has declared his final smite for the day on the succubus, and swings his sword, trying to cut her in half.

Attack 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 3 = 31

Damage 1d10 + 4 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 8 = 18

Possible crit 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 3 = 15

Damage 1d10 + 4 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 8 = 14

Round 7 continued
Krolmnite moves forward and Hskoro heaves the plated gnome up into the air, quite a feat of strength. The paladin strikes hard, hewing through muscle and bone. The succubus Mellistra screams. A terrible scream, full of rage and pain and doom. You see that one of arms has been nearly shorn away, showering blood on those below. One of the celestial eagles cries as Krolmnite reaches apogee and falls back to earth. Not quite a crit, but still did terrific damage. She's hurtin'!

The succubus hurriedly beats her wings with fury, trying to gain more altitude. She hisses and spits the words "A curse on you!" - you're not sure if they are directed at Krolmnite or the dragon. Then, with a wave of her good hand, she teleports away.

Round 8
Have you ever seen a dragon smile? You're not sure if this qualifies, but the dragon Khlorphraxus seems mighty pleased to have disposed of the succubus as well. Now the wyrm turns his attention back to you. "Well, little ones, you have helped me ever so much. I may even let two of you live. Then again, it wouldn't do to have anyone know the location of my lair. So, run!"

The dragon swoops around and back again, coming in low and attacking Maudrill! Its dagger teeth close on the aasimar like a steel trap. Ouch! The dragon bites for 18 points damage.

Only one foe left! Top of the round starting with Zaghigoth and everyone.

Updated Map

Initiative
18 - Khlorphraxus
17 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr
12 - Yekskya
8 - Maudrill
4 - Rowena
4 - Quinta
3 - Hskoro
3 - Krolmnite (delayed action)

=======

Either retreating or casting a spell next to the eagles will provoke. Maybe we'll get lucky.

The eagles bite at the demon as it retreats.

Concentration DC 17: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Maudrill's training kicks in as he quickly retreats, paling at the blood loss. "Rifstejarwim!" The aasimar vanishes into thin air.

The eagles turn their attention to the dragon, flying down and clawing at it. As they finish attacking the first eagle disappears.

Casting vanish then moving 30 ft. towards our resident midget dragon slayer.

After assessing the situation, Zag glowers at the swooping dragon and extends his hand once more. Before he discharges the druidic flame, Oshok'arr again brushes a talon against him, instilling within the half-orc a slight focus. Then, the flames leap forth, swirling across the air at the dragon.

Oshok'arr uses it's full round to cast guidance on Zag. Throwing produce flame.

Ranged touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 (inspire courage, guidance)
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 fire

Is Entangle still in effect? If so, Krolmnite tries to pick his way around to get out of the AoE and then loop around to move toward he dragon.

"Haha! All my life I've wanted to battle a dragon! Today I get to slay two of them! Smiad smiles at his servant!".

The gnome didn't seem to realize he really had nothing to do with the first dragon's vanquishing.

Quinta continues to sing, her bardic song weaving around the others, bolstering them, strengthening them for combat even while she brings out her heavy crossbow, fits an arrow to the groove and starts turning the crank like crazy.

Minor action: maintain Inspire courage +1.
Stealth 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26.
Getting heavy crossbow ready for next round.

Yekskya twists his mouth with frustration having hoped that the dragon would see the value of savings its hide and depart. He draws a pair of arrows and looses them once more from the far side of the pool.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage 1: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 magic, piercing plus 1 hp bleed for: 1d6 ⇒ 1 rounds
Attack 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Damage 2: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 magic, piercing plus 1 hp bleed for: 1d6 ⇒ 3 rounds

Dragons - Round 8 continued
Zaghigoth summons another fistful of fire to hurl at the dragon. As he does so Oshok'arr hovers nearby, giving guidance and encouragement. It helps the druid to find his target, and the fire burns the dragon's cruel face. 6 points fire damage to the dragon.

Yekskya perseveres in peppering the dragon with arrows. Two more find their target, one bounces off the dragon's steely hide but the other strikes true. The hits are starting to tell on the dragon. Second arrow hits for 14 points plus the bleed damage.

Wounded, Maudrill hurriedly finishes the words of his incantation and summons a third celestial eagle to the melee. The conclave of eagles swoop round and round to make sure the demoness is truly gone then turn on the dragon. They attack with fury and heart, but their claws aren't able to do much more than distract it. One of the eagles did get a successful aoo against Mellistra, for 2pts damage. She still escaped. Maudrill then invokes another spell, done quick before the dragon can respond with another attack. The aasimar vanishes from view, moving back towards Krolmnite. The first dragon's entanglement spell is still in effect and is a real pest. Despite his invisibility the plants respond to the movement and grasp at his feet and legs and threaten to hamper movement. Defensive casting successful. Moving through the entangled area threatens to slow movement, if you can make a Reflex save against DC 13 to avoid gaining the entangled condition. The entangle effect is a natural ability of the dragon with a duration of 1 minute per caster level, so it's not going anywhere soon.

Rowena edges closer, still wary of the situation. At least the demon is gone and attention seems to be drawn back to fighting a dragon, albeit a different one.

Quinta continues to sing to inspire her allies, but as she does so she also readies her heavy crossbow for an attack.

Hskoro the nagaji turns to Krolmnite again. "Come, it is on the ground!" He charges ahead, too fast for the vegetation to take hold (and nearly barrelling into Maudrill in the process). With a flying kick he launches himself at the dragon. 6 points damage to the dragon, with successful save vs. entangle.

Krolmnite follows behind, charging with his shorter legs. The plants try to grab him, but he hacks them to pieces in passing. He looks happier than you've ever seen him. Entanglement still in effect. A double move this round brings you to the edge of the effect, so you can focus on the dragon next round.

Round 9
The dragon Khlorprhaxus is an implacable foe. It throws Hskoro off with a crushing bite then turns its attention to the eagles surrounding it. Catching one in its claws it tears it apart before your eyes, the eagle making a sad cry as it is torn in two. 16 points damage to Hskoro, 18 points damage to the eagle. The dragon's wings fan out batting the other two eagles from the sky. They are hit with such force that as they hit the ground they return to the celestial planes, wounded beyond recall. 7 points damage to second eagle and 11 points damage to the third with a successful critical hit, I think that puts all three into minuses. Plus I suppose they take falling damage as they fall from the sky. Lastly the dragon's tail whips out, striking Hskoro and flinging him into the air. He lands heavily, and struggles to get up. 13 points damage to Hskoro, putting him at 0hp.

The endgame?

Updated Map

Initiative
18 - Khlorphraxus
17 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr
12 - Yekskya
8 - Maudrill
4 - Rowena
4 - Quinta
3 - Hskoro
3 - Krolmnite (delayed action)

========

Can I charge this round, DM? If so, please add +2 to my Attack roll.

"Oh, the songs they will sing about me, dragon! Kills two dragons and a demon in the same day! Could you spell your evil name for me...I want to tell the bards the proper name!". The small gnome runs toward the dragon swinging his sword with all his might.

Power Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Damage 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Yekskya wipes a sheen of sweat from his forehead and takes aim at the dragon again. He can see his arrows and the attacks of his allies are taking a toll and hopes he can make the difference with a couple of accurate shots. Fortunately, the dragon is enormous and striking its bulk is not difficult, it is just finding the gaps in that tough hide.
1 hp bleed from last arrow
Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage 1: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 magic, piercing plus 1 hp bleed for: 1d6 ⇒ 5 rounds
Attack 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Damage 2: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 magic, piercing plus 1 hp bleed for: 1d6 ⇒ 5 rounds

Maudrill unleashes an arc of flame into the dragon.

Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

Reflex DC 12 for half damage.

Bow in hand, arrow nocked and situation cleared up, I draw a bead on the dragon and let go. All that running through the brush has left me a little winded though and my aim suffers for it. The arrow sails harmlessly past the flying wyrm.

Attack, shortbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage, shortbow: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Status: HP 28/28 / AC 17

Quinta slams the safety onto her crossbow and makes a dash for Hskoro instead of firing at Klorphraxus. Falling to her knees beside the Nagaji, she sings as she presses her hands against his scaled body:
"Knight of Nalinivati, wise and brave
Quinta's voice calls you away from the grave
Two hands reach; Pharasma's and mine
Take my hand, not hers; 'tis not the time!"
Healing magic courses through the downed warrior's body...

Using Spellsong to simultaneously keep Inspire courage +1 going and casts Cure Light Wounds on Hskoro for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9. Not an impressive amount of healing, but hey, any port in a storm, right? ^^;

The fire in Zag's hand does not reappear after the last fling, and he feels the energy of the spell has left him. Far away from the dragon and separated from the others by the writhing, grasping vegetation, he takes the opportunity to release stockpiled spiritual energy back into the earth, and begins manifesting another summoning spell.

Drop lesser restoration in order to begin casting Summon Nature's Ally II again.

Khlorphraxus - Round 9 continued
Zaghigoth releases the gathered power of the earth, and begins drawing power from the spirits to manifest a new spell, a summoning spell. Oshok'arr honks loudly at the dragon, nasal cavities amplifying the sound and adding to her intimidating posture.

Yekskya launches two more arrows at the dragon, both smacking off its tough armor. The arrow that did go through still niggles though. Just the 1 point damage this time.

Maudrill reappears as he unleashes an arc of flame that burns the dragon at its shoulder and wing, creating gaping holes in the skin of the wing. Dragon takes 6 points fire damage.

Running through the bush, Rowena draws a bead on the dragon with her bow and lets fly. The arrow falls short of hitting the wyrm.

Quinta makes a dash for Hskoro and lays a hand on the nagaji. She summons healing magic and channels it into him, giving the martial artist a new lease of life. Hskoro is grateful and rises to his feet, and takes a defensive stance in front of Quinta. The determination on his face suggests that he would give his life protecting the Chelaxian singer.

Krolmnite charges forward, swinging his sword with all his might. Just as the champion is about to impale the dragon, one wicked claw blocks the blow and shoves the gnome away. The dragon then pounces on Krolmnite. Teeth grind armor. Weight crushes. Claws rend. You are able to get a charge, but even so not quite enough to finish it off. In exchange the dragon focuses a full attack on Krolm for a total of 39 points damage for successful bite and claw attacks. Yikes!

Yekskya hears a rustling in the underbrush nearby as Nkechi suddenly appears. He looks a little sheepish. The hermit looks over at the archer: "I wasn't going to intervene and let Gozreh decide your fate, but something called me to help anyway. Come! Let us draw closer." He slaps Yekskya's shoulder before bounding through the jungle towards the fight, but as they make contact healing energy flows into the archer, healing some of his wounds. Cure moderate wounds effect for 11 points healed to Yeks.

Back to everyone for Round 10!

Updated Map

Initiative
18 - Khlorphraxus
17 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr
12 - Yekskya
8 - Maudrill
4 - Rowena
4 - Quinta
3 - Hskoro
3 - Krolmnite
2 - Nkechi

========

Maudrill unleashes another arc of flame into the dragon.

Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

Reflex DC 12 for half damage.

"Is that all you have dragon? Hahaha," the gnome laughs, blood spewing from his lips.

Krolmnite uses a swift action to heal himself, and then swings away with all his might.

Swift action heal 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

Power Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Damage 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Damn it! I'm the worst dragon fighter ever!

Zag finishes his spell with a thrust of his spear in the dragon's direction. The air near the wyrm begins to spiral, dust and debris gathered up in a small vortex until the wind has been given form and a vague shape manifests. The air elemental bursts forward in attempts to pummel the dragon from behind.

Zag, still doubting his chances in dodging his way through the entangling vines, uses a charge of the cure wand on Oshok'arr

Small Air Elemental Slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 (performance, flanking)
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Zag HP: 35/45
Oshok'arr HP: 19/34

Yekskya nods his thanks to Nkechi, "Thank you Nkechi. Two dragons in one day and a demon as well. These wounds are from the first, but I think our brave gnome may need your help as well." Reinvigorated by the healing, Yekskya draws two more arrows and sends them lancing toward the dragon.
1 hp bleed
Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Damage 1: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 magic, piercing plus 1 hp bleed for: 1d6 ⇒ 2 rounds
Attack 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage 2: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 magic, piercing plus 1 hp bleed for: 1d6 ⇒ 4 rounds

"Keep behind me, Hskoro," Quinta cautions the Nagaji while stepping around him. "Right now, you are under my protection."

Having spoken, Quinta brings up her heavy crossbow and, singing her martial tune, fires at Khlorphraxus.
"Dragon most dire, you listened not
And so this battle becomes our sad lot."

Without waiting to see whether the arrow hits, Quinta grabs Hskoro by the hand and pulls him with her into the undergrowth, fading into the sylvan shadows. "Reload, please," she whispers to the Nagaji, handing him the crossbow.

Minor action: Maintaining inspire courage +1. Perform (sing) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Moving south to hide; aid another Stealth for Hskoro 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12.[/ooc]
Standard action: Ranged attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20 for 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage.

Khlorphraxus - Round 10
Zaghigoth completes his summoning spell and brings forth an elemental spirit, a swirling vortex of living air. It sweeps towards the dragon and begins pummeling it with powerful bouts of wind. 4 points damage to the dragon. Watching the result, Zaghigoth draws his wand of healing and mends some of Oshok'arr's wounds. 5hp back from CLW wand.

Yekskya sends Nkechi off to help Krolmnite and then draws his bow to send two more arrows lancing off towards the dragon. Both hit, but only the first penetrates deep enough to strike a wound. The dragon has quite a few arrows piercing it now. First strike certainly hits for 13 point damage plus bleed damage.

Maudrill sends another arc of flame at the dragon, singeing away another layer of scales. Made a successful save, but takes 2 point fire damage.

Moving closer to the fight, Rowena draws an arrow of her own. Her aim is good, but the arrow snaps against the dragon's tough scales.

Quinta draws a bead on Khlorphraxus and pulls the trigger on her crossbow, before pulling Hskoro back from the fight. A pained bellow from the dragon informs her that she scored a hit. Quinta shoves the weapon into the nagaji's hand, indicating that he should reload for her. The monk looks ruefully between the singer and the crossbow, before complying. "What kind of protector am I? The kind that's going to let you get eaten by a dragon?" He reloads the weapon and hands it back to the woman. Just a five foot step to the south, so as not to raise suspicion.

Krolmnite briefly heals some of his wounds and then bounds back in, swinging wildly at Khlorphraxus. The dragon manages somehow to parry all his attacks, but it looks tired and injured now. At least the champion of Smiad is succeeding in drawing the dragon's attention away from the rest of the party. Looks like you also get a bonus from Quinta's inspire courage and a flanking bonus thanks to the air elemental, but nonetheless not quite enough to score a hit. Nearly though - and the dragon is now in single digit hit points!

Nkechi edges forward, drawing closer to the fight. He pauses briefly at the edge of the entanglement effect.

Round 11
The dragon Khlorphraxus is bleeding generously now from several wounds and is scarred from several burns. The green wyrm lunges forward, its long claws encircling Krolmnite. With a beat of powerful wings it launches into the air, clutching the gnome. "You will not be my undoing! I will drop you like a stone falling to earth." Dragon tries to grapple Krolmnite and fly away. It succeeds with the grapple check, but Krolmnite and the air elemental each get to make an attack of opportunity. Notwithstanding that, Krolmnite can try to break the grapple with a successful CMB or Escape Artist check. You are currently thirty feet off the ground, over the sinkhole.

Actually, despite not many hits you've done very well to fight two dragons and a demon and still have everyone standing at this stage. I've tried to vary the attacks but I've not pulled any punches, so well done.

Updated Map

Initiative
18 - Khlorphraxus
17 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr
12 - Yekskya
8 - Maudrill
4 - Rowena
4 - Quinta
3 - Hskoro
3 - Krolmnite
2 - Nkechi

Sorry folks, got really swamped this past week, and the evenings when I did claw back some free time our broadband connection seemed to be on the blink.

-------

AoO by the gnome with Power Attack and Inspire Courage 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22

Damage 1d10 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9

"You'll not take me today, dragon! If I fall, I'll take a chunk of your underbelly with me!

Yeah this is basically all I got left.

Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Reflex DC 12 for half damage.

"If you are my shield, then I am your blade
Be you my lantern, then I'll be your shade
Not a service should be rendered
That's not returned fair
Would be you my guardian? Then stand at my side
You are not wall or shield 'hind which I will hide
If my protector you are, then my comrade as well
'Tis side by side we make the victory bell knell!"

Quinta weaves her words to Hskoro into her bardic song as she raises the freshly-loaded crossbow at the struggling green dragon -- and fires!

"Hskoro, try to catch Krolmnite!" she calls to the Nagaji while the arrow is still flying.

Minor action: maintain inspire courage +1. Perform (sing) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13.
Standard action: fire crossbow. Ranged attack 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22 for 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 damage.

Air Elemental AoO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Seeing the dragon's plan at work, Zag runs up along the edge of the entangled area and palms a magical pearl, whispering to the elements as he moves.

Move 20 ft. north and use my pearl of power to recall produce flame.

Dragon's Doom - Round 11 continued
As the dragon pulls away the air elemental tries to buffet it again, but the dragon dismisses it as just a blast of hot air. Krolmnite too retaliates, and as he is lifted from the ground he buries his greatsword to the hilt in the dragon's chest. The dragon's features look surprised, so surprised as the blade reaches its heart.

The problem comes as the lifeless dragon falls back to earth, taking the gnome with it. Quinta urges Hskoro to help, and the nagaji leaps forward to catch the gnomish knight. The two collide and roll down the slope of the sinkhole. The dragon is no more!

Congratulations the field of battle is yours!

==========

"Quinta, your lovely words need to do justice to this victory I had today! Composing a battle song declaring our victory would be the bard ish thing to do! Everyone must know Krolmnite the Brave and Dragonslayer Extraordinare. Two dragons and a demon! Smiad trulyruled this day," the gnome yells even as he was being held in the arms of Hskoro, like a large armor clad baby.

Time for a name change!

"I'll think about it," Quinta says in a wry tone as she walks up to Hskoro and Krolmnite. The Bard puts her hand to the Nagaji's injured flesh and incants another spell of healing. "I need a better atmosphere than this... charnel house, though."

Quinta shakes her head at the two draconic carcasses. "Opposed in life, united in death," she says. "It has something of poetry about it, but it's a grim one. And that filthy succubus is still out there, and intent on beating us to Saventh-Yhi. We really should warn the other groups headed for Tarzion. She'll be back and eager to ensnare more dupes."

My second CLW to Hskoro for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 hp.

Yekskya lets out a shout as the dragon falls and makes his way back down to congratulate Krolmnite on the killing blow. "Well done everyone. That was some teamwork. If she does insist on traveling the same road as us Quinta then we will send her back to the pit next time." He looks around. "So aren't dragons supposed to have spectacular troves of treasure? Should we see if we can track them back to their lairs?"

"One such lair is right here," Quinta says, pointing at the place the first dragon rose from. "Careful, though; chances are, the dragon set traps to defend its wealth."

Yekskya peers into the hole. "It is very dark."
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Quinta mutters a word and makes a gesture, causing four orbs of light to swirl into being; she directs them into the pit. "Proceed; I'll follow at a distance and keep you in lights if you insist on doing this."

I'm not sure how much treasure two young dragons would have, but what the hey, let's check it out. ^^ Dancing Lights.

With the fall of the dragon, Maudrill gives only a brief smile before falling to his knees, hand held tightly over the wound in his chest. "I...could use some help."

"Here you go," Quinta says as she pulls a potion flask from her pack and hands it to Maudrill. "It's not very powerful, but it should get you over the worst."

Potion of CLW for Maudrill.

The gnome was still ecstatic from the thrill of the kill of the evil ones. He barely noticed the cuts from tooth and fang all over himself. But, soon thereafter the pain set in, so he used a few of his Lay on Hands ability to heal himself.

LOH 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10
LOH 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
LOH 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

I might be wrong, but I don't think I got hit much and only used one LOH before these three. If so, I still have three left for today.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"Thank you, that helps quite a bit."

Maudrill is still down 11 hp out of 24, but he's no longer within a breath of going down.

Whoever needs healing, you can mark off charges of the Cure Light Wounds wand and heal as necessary. It has 48 charges right now.

Zag shakes his head at the scene. "Foulness reeks here. Noxious, vile dragons, demons...they have poisoned the spirits here, I say." Zag looks down at the sinkhole and frowns. "I will keep watch up here."

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

2 charges uses from the wand. Maudrill is now at 22/24 hp. Thanks Zaghigoth.

hp 38
Wand of CLW charge #1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Wand of CLW charge #1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Fully healed, 2 charges from wand of CLW
After healing, Yekskya nocks an arrow and joins the others in the tunnel.

In the end, with the death of the dragon Khlorphraxus, the aftermath is somewhat of an anti-climax. The dragons stink, and an unhealthy vapour hangs about their carcases. You heal your wounds.

You were right to be concerned about traps. When you get to the bottom of the sinkhole you find that the scum covering the pond conceals two shambling mounds protecting the lair's entrance. Between Nkechi and Zaghigoth, you are able to convince them to move on.

The next obstacle is the deep pond itself. An exploratory swim reveals that the dragon's lair lies at the end of a hundred foot passage. It's a tough swim, leaving you gasping for breath at the end of it. The air is stale and loathsome.

The reward, however, may have been worth the dangers. The watery tunnel rises up to a complex of large dry caverns. You can see why the first dragon, Malagitoryx, chose this location for its lair, also why the second dragon Khlorphraxus sought to take it for its own.

There is treasure, certainly. A great, bright pile of coins lies at the centre of the main chamber, with a smattering of intriguing looking gemstones scattered around. You also spot a gold seal ring, engraved with the emblem of a griffon killing hyenas. A heavy steel shield rests against one wall, near a finely made composite shortbow. Both items are decorated in a style favoured in Katapesh. Nearby is a ruined quiver but many of the arrows are still intact. At your feet rolls a small black sphere, appearing like a dull, ebon pearl. An amulet of treated rhino hide rests near to a brass tube. Inside you find five scrolls on dark vellum. A leather bandolier holds several potions. A willow wand and an oddly intact purple velvet pouch filled with fine silver dust. Finally, you discover two jagged, brilliant white javelins buried under the coins.

You gather up the items and discuss what to do with everything. Alas that there is no clue to where Khlorphraxus had its own lair. Perhaps that can be a mission for the expedition home.

Well, where to start, treasure or experience? Once you've catalogued everything, you find that you have:

1,300 gold pieces
7,700 silver pieces
93 platinum pieces
7 gemstones (worth 45gp each for a total of 315gp)
1 gold seal ring (worth 500gp)

potion of rage
potion of beast shape I
potion of fox's cunning
potion of spider climb
bead of force
divine scroll of heat metal
divine scroll of flame blade
divine scroll of endure elements
divine scroll of cure moderate wounds
divine scroll of greater magic fang
wand of mage armor (24 uses)
1 bag of storyteller's dust
rhino hide amulet of natural armor +1

2 javelins of lightning
+1 composite shortbow
15 normal arrows
+1 heavy steel shield

Also, you each have gained a level. Defeating the two dragons brought you just a few points shy of 5th level, so go ahead and update your characters, you earned it. The succubus, sadly, has escaped for now to nurse her wounds.

Woot! I'll get to leveling this weekend. Hopefully we see the nasty succubus again!

Nice! All leveled up. Nothing on that list I want to claim, but I will definitely take a share of the proceeds and put it to good use next time we have a chance to purchase magic items.

Krolm's AC is so bad, it wouldn't make much difference, but he'd like the amulet of natural armor if no one else has a claim for it.

Knowledge (nobility) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4. Nope, don't know that crest.

"Fairly impressive," Quinta says as she surveys the treasure.

After some consideration, she picks up the brightly-embroidered bag of Storyteller's dust. "Does anyone mind if I take this?" she asks. "This stuff is great for all kinds of showmanship."

"Quite all right Quinta. If you can make use of it, go ahead."
Krolm, ok with me. Yeks is going to be staying at a distance until he picks up the Snap Shot chain.

Guess the divine scrolls default to me? Unless Quinta wants any for use with Use Magic Device

I figure it's best for you to have them. By the time I need to cast those spells, we should be in deep trouble. ^^;

I'll grab the wand of mage armor if nobody objects. I also like the potion of fox's cunning, potion of spider climb, and the bead of force.