CrazyHedgehog's Serpent Skull

Game Master CrazyHedgehog

Bodies on the Riverbank

Surprise Round
Zaghigoth takes a step back and raises his spear defensively. Calling on the spirits of the animal realm, he tries to calm the giant ape. It halts for a moment and falls back on its haunches. Then its gaze seems to clear and it resumes its aggressive stance, half covered in shadow.

The ape looms over you and pounds its chest. For each of you, you gain a sense that it is gazing directly into your soul. It makes you want to drop everything and flee in terror. Roll a Will save against DC 18 or be panicked and flee in terror for 11 rounds. Otherwise, a successful save means you are shaken (-2 to attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, & ability checks) for one round instead.

Round 1
Assuming that Zaghigoth makes his save; otherwise this becomes a bit more random.
The ape lunges forward and grabs Zaghigoth with a powerful fist. It pulls the druid forward and tears a chunk out of his shoulder with sharp incisors before tossing Zaghigoth back down. Hits AC 25 for 5 points damage.

Map - Photobucket's down at the moment, so will get map posted up next time I'm online. Basically assume the ape is 10 feet away from your front line fighters.

Initiative
19 - Ape
17 - Cat
13 - Quinta & Ssss
13 - Krolmnite
10 - Yekskya
6 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr

=======

Something supernatural about the ape momentarily clouds Yekskya's mind. For a moment he feels an urge to flee. Then he sets hand on an arrow and the feeling passes, leaving just a general sense of dread. He draws the arrow and send it, then another flying toward the ape.
Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Attack 1: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 2 = 10
Damage 1: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Damage 2: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 = 12
Damage 2: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Attack rolls assume no further buffs, but even if I get them, those rolls aren't too likely to hit.

Will save 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Quinta shrugs off the odd effect, her arcane training shielding her mind. With a quick flick of the wrist, she unhooks her whip and cracks it at the ape's ankles, trying to bring it down!

Whip-trip 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Krolm's immune to fear and anyone within 10' of him gets a +4 on saves versus fear.

"You don't scare me, beast! Come over here and take your thrashing!". The dwarf brandishes his sword and waves it, trying to attract its attention. The gnome moves forward and swings his blade at the ape.

Attack 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Sensing that his spell did not take effect, followed by the ape's own display of magic, Zaghigoth is perplexed. The situation puts the druid on edge, but he holds his ground and does not flee. Oshok'arr, on the other hand, turns tail and crashes through the brush behind. Then, the ape is upon him, and he grunts as a sharp bite pierces his shoulder. After he is dropped back to the ground, Zag submits to the will of survival of the fittest and thrusts with his spear.

Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 (+4 if this is an exceptional ability from a magical beast...+4 if I am within 10 ft of Krolmnite.)
Oshok'arr Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Spear: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

HP: 49/54

Even with Krolmnite's aura washing over me, I feel the fear grip me and I turn around and flee back the way we came.

Will (NOT) Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Update coming, hopefully tomorrow night. Red Hand of Doom update took longer than I thought to put together, so too late now to move on to another game. In the meantime I've just tried uploading again the map I promised last week, but Photobucket seems to be unresponsive now.

Bodies on the Riverbank - Round 1 continued
Stolid Krolmnite projects a aura of calm that helps to break through the curtain of dread emanating from the ape. Nonetheless, Cat is overwhelmed with fear and hightails it along the riverbank, crashing into the jungle. Oh man, that's a couple times that's scuppered you, lol. Maybe invest in Iron Will?

Quinta strikes with her whip at the enraged ape. It curls around the ape's foot and she pulls, hoping to pull it over, but the ape rips the whip away.

Fearless, Krolmnite steps forward, brandishing his sword and throwing himself at the ape and drawing its attention away from the rest of the party. With his blade he slices deep, causing a terrible wound that looks like it's taken a toll on the animal. 14 points damage to the ape.

Yekskya tries to take advantage of the distraction to pick the ape off with a couple well-placed arrows. It's difficult though to shake off the sense of dread the ape exudes, and that throws off the archer's aim. The two arrows go scudding off into the jungle.

Oshok'arr goes tearing off into the jungle as well, overcome by dread, as Zaghigoth tries to defend himself with a spear thrust. Fortunately the ape is distracted as it defends itself from Krolmnite's attacks, and Zaghigoth's spear bites deep. The ape is suffering a couple deep wounds now, and you can tell that the loss of blood is sapping its strength. 5 points damage.

Round 2
The ape pounds on Krolmnite, an expression on its face as if it's relishing its own physical strength. The gnome dodges a bite, deflects a claw, but one hit rends through his armor and inflicting some rough gouges. 7 points of damage to Krolmnite.

Nkechi so far has been holding back, now he takes a step back and moves closer to Zaghigoth. He reaches out and mutters a prayer to Gozreh as he enchants the jungle druid's shortspear. Casts magic weapon on Zag's spear (+1 bonus on attack and damage rolls)

Hskoro likewise had been holding back but now leaps to the attack alongside Krolmnite and Zaghigoth. He moves in to thrust with his spear, but the ape is quick and leans in to take a bite out of the nagaji. Undaunted, Quinta's self-appointed defender thrusts his spear and is rewarded with a telling hit. The ape's attack of opportunity inflicts 5 points of damage on Hskoro. In return, Hskoro's attack inflicts 8 points of damage on the ape.

Battle Map Hooray! Map finally uploaded ok this time.

Initiative
19 - Ape
19 - Nkechi
18 - Hskoro
17 - Cat
13 - Quinta & Ssss
13 - Krolmnite
10 - Yekskya
6 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr

=======

Quinta cracks her whip at the beast again, hoping that its general distraction will aid in bringing it down.

Whip-trip 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

The gnome keeps swinging his sword at the ape.

Attack 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Bodies on the Riverbank - Round 2 continued
Rowena keeps running pell-mell through the jungle, hounded by fear. We'll get you back soon!

Quinta has another attempt at tripping up the giant ape, but it is too big and solid and doesn't even seem to notice the whip snaking around its ankles.

Krolmnite ducks a swipe from the ape, a meaty fist flashing over the gnome's head. As he ducks Krolmnite drives his blade upwards, burying it to the hilt in the ape's belly. With a sigh, the ape sinks to its knees then sprawls on the ground. Victory!

And yet, something is not right with the ape's corpse. An inky, jet smoke rises from the still body. It coalesces into a vaguely humanoid form with indistinct lines, bat-like wings and glowing red eyes. It rises up above head level and floats a few feet away, eyes glimmering malevolently.

Shadows of Death

Yekskya and Zaghigoth up!

Updated Map One foe down, but another of an altogether different sort arises.

Initiative
19 - ???
19 - Nkechi
18 - Hskoro
17 - Cat
13 - Quinta & Ssss
13 - Krolmnite
10 - Yekskya
6 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr

Knowledge (planes) to identify: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

"Can't be good." Yekskya doesn't waste any time. With his magic bow, he nocks a pair of cold iron arrows and begins firing them at the new threat, hoping someone will be able to tell him how to kill it.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Damage 1: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Attack 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage 2: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Ignorant to whatever this unnatural blasphemy might be, his connection to the spirits exhausted for the day, Zag raises his shield and hopes the mage or paladin might have something to kill this thing with. Total defense.

Bodies on the Riverbank - Round 2 continued

Sorry Quinta, you probably know enough to guess that this is some type of outsider, but not any specifics about it.

Yekskya nocks two arrows and begins firing at the new threat. Grasping his bow, he can feel its strength and it is as if his weapon was purposed for just such a time as this, wood lovingly slivered from the heartwood of a tree animated by a treant, shaped by a jungle dryad, the green of leaves ingrained into the wood itself. Its curve seems to adjust its pull to match Yekskya's strength. The first arrow misses, but the second seems to hit the misty, shadowy creature. The cold iron arrowhead digs in deep, though from here it merely looks suspended in the air. It hisses in consternation, perhaps surprised that you were able to hit it. Second arrow hits for 16 points damage.

Unsure of this turn of events and as to the identity of this new adversary, Zaghigoth pauses with shield raised, looking to his comrades for inspiration as to how to defeat this thing. +4 dodge bonus to AC.

Oshok'arr is still tearing through the jungle.

Round 3
The shadowy figure seems indistinct in the gloom of the jungle and suddenly it moves and it is as if it has merged with shadows about you, playing with the alternating patches of light and dark. You twist about, looking for some sign of it. Finally, you see a pair of glowing eyes appearing over Krolmnite's shoulder. It must have moved around the party, but how it got there it may as well have been invisible. It mutters dark, sibilant syllables.

Once again Nkechi clutches his wooden idol of Gozreh, chanting for his god's help. You watch him and the old hermit stares back with wide eyes. It's clear, he doesn't have any idea what this thing is either.

Hskoro dashes forward and leaps up, bringing a fist down hard on where the shadow figure is floating. His fist passes through its form with no discernible impression. He lands in a crouched position, studying his enemy.

Cat's still running through the jungle. You reckon you've left the fight far behind, but it's difficult to force yourself to stop running.

Everyone else up to bat.

Updated Map Your foe is now in the lower middle of the battle map.

Initiative
19 - Itombu
19 - Nkechi
18 - Hskoro
17 - Cat
13 - Quinta & Ssss
13 - Krolmnite
10 - Yekskya
6 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr

========

Relieved to see that his arrows harm it, Yekskya nocks more cold iron arrows sending them after the creature.
Not entirely sure I'm up yet, but you can carry these forward to the next round if I'm not.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Damage 1: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Attack 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage 2: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Sensing the power of this evil creature, the paladin declares a Smite on it. "My gods declare you unworthy of meeting their champion, shadow!" He swings his magical cold iron sword.

Smite Attack 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 3 = 20

Smite Damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

I did not add a bonus to damage from my smite, DM, as I'm not sure which applies. Smite adds a +4 to my damage, or +8 damage to evil, undead or dragon. I also gain +2 to AC vs. that creature. If I hit, please add the appropriate damage for me. Thanks.

Quinta draws a bead on the outsider's glowing eyes and unleashes a silent scream, audible only to the target.

Ear-piercing scream for 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3 sonic damage. Fort. DC 15 for half. Fail and be dazed for 1 round.

Bodies on the Riverbank - Round 3 continued
Quinta draws a bead on the outsider's glowing eyes and targets the space with a silent scream. She looks expectantly for any kind of reaction, but doesn't see even a niggle. This thing must have some type of spell resistance! Unfortunately, a caster level check indicates that the silent scream fails to penetrate the thing's natural arcane defences.

Krolmnite raises his sword, declaring that he will smite this dangerous foe. He charges forward and swings with his magical blade of cold iron, but the weapon just passes through the shadow mist without connecting with anything. No hit this time, but definitely add the +8 bonus to your next successful damage roll. And, isn't Krolm's Charisma 17? Wouldn't you get a +3 bonus to AC? :)

Yekskya nocks two more arrows to his bowstring and lets fly in rapid succession. His cold iron arrows seemed to hit before, but this time both seem to streak right through the thing with no discernible damage.

Zaghigoth up. Spellcasters, when casting spells at it you may prefer to roll your own caster level checks to harm it. Likewise, those using weapons you may prefer to roll your own d100 to try to hit an incorporeal creature. Map's the same as last post, with Krolmnite moving 5 feet closer to the thing.

Initiative
19 - Itombu
19 - Nkechi
18 - Hskoro
17 - Cat
13 - Quinta & Ssss
13 - Krolmnite
10 - Yekskya
6 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr

======

Correct you are, DM! Much obliged!! +3 to AC.

In the face of accursed spell resistance, Quinta raises her voice in song, granting greater combat power to her allies!

Inspire courage +1 to attack, damage and saves vs. fear. Perform (sing) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Zag suddenly drops his defensive stance, remembering something that may help against this monster. He releases his spear and unfurls a divine scroll and mutters the words upon it. The scroll suddenly burns up and a blade of fire appears in his hand. Spell in hand, he advances on the beast.

Use my scroll of flame blade and move 20 ft. towards the enemy.

Yekskya's eyes widen as his two arrows slips throw indistinct misty shadows that make up the creature's form. Undeterred, he let's two more arrows fly, hoping to find a more substantive piece of the creature this time.
Adding bardic performance. Magical and cold iron.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16
Miss chance, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 46
Damage 1: 1d8 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 1 = 16
Attack 2: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 1 = 27
Miss chance, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 59
Damage 2: 1d8 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 1 = 18

Bodies on the Riverbank - Round 3 continued

Zaghigoth uses one of the scrolls in his arsenal to summon a flame blade, a blazing scimitar wreathed in fire. He advances on the shadowy foe.

Go ahead and roll for attack!

I'll be away over the weekend, so Zag hope you don't mind if I roll for you, that'll give you a chance to plot your next moves.

Round 3 continued
Zaghigoth crashes through the jungle brush to bring the flame blade to bear against the shadow monster. Fortunately the vegetation is so lush it's difficult for it to catch fire. Zaghigoth swings with the blade and is shocked when on contact with the creature the blade fizzles and dies! He steps back and the blade springs to life again. Great idea but sadly spell has fallen victim to spell resistance.

Round 4
All this time the creature has been muttering in some sibilant tongue. It drifts back into the shadows as it does so. 5ft step back and to the east. Suddenly from the river bursts two enormous crocodiles, big black-scaled things. They sprint from the water - one opens its jaws to snap at Nkechi, its jaws clacking shut inches from the Mwangi's face. The other's tail whips forward, trying to sweep Hskoro off his feet but the nagaji monk easily springs out of the way.

Frightened, Nkechi takes a step back and mutters a prayer, enchanting his trident. Takes 5 foot step up and to the right.

Hskoro leaps forward into battle with the crocodile that tried to knock him down. He drives the spear down into the crocodile's spine, and is surprised as the creature dissolves in a cloud of black mist. Attacks crocodile and deals 7 points damage.

Cat and Oshok'arr are still tearing through the jungle. You hope they'll be able to find you again when this is all over. And that there will still be something left for them to find.

Rest of the team is up!

Updated Map

Initiative
19 - Itombu
19 - Nkechi
18 - Hskoro
17 - Cat
13 - Quinta & Ssss
13 - Krolmnite
10 - Yekskya
6 - Zaghigoth & Oshok'arr

======

Sorry, didn't think I got an attack roll since I used the scroll as my action.

Once more Zag attempts to slash the strange enemy with his fiery scimitar.

Caster Level: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Melee Touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 fire

KrolmtKes a 5' step toward the shadow and again swings his magical cold iron sword.

Smite Attack 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 3 = 15

Smite Damage 1d10 + 4 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 8 = 21

1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9

Quinta tries to cast a spell at the shadowy beast, only to feel the energies fizzle out even as she tries to weave them around the target...

Quinta, you're keeping up your performance, correct?
Figuring that the shadow creature is still a bigger danger than the crocodiles, Yekskya keeps firing toward it.
Yekskya's eyes widen as his two arrows slips throw indistinct misty shadows that make up the creature's form. Undeterred, he let's two more arrows fly, hoping to find a more substantive piece of the creature this time.
Including bardic performance. Magical and cold iron.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 = 29
Miss chance, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 99
Damage 1: 1d8 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 1 = 13
Attack 2: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 = 14
Miss chance, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 78
Damage 2: 1d8 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 = 15

Yes! Bardic performance continuing.

Zaghigoth - Right enough, I was thinking in the spell description it said you could make an immediate attack on casting the spell. Since I was going out of town I went ahead and rolled so that you all could post responses while I was away, and I'm a little nonplussed to find that my last post actually went through as the Paizo site seemed to go down in the midst of writing it. Fair enough, we'll roll with the attack in the same round this time but unfortunately your caster level check had the same result as the one I'd made on your behalf and did not beat its spell resistance.

Bodies on the Riverbank - Round 5
The shadow spirit drifts back a few more feet then conjures a blistering fireball that erupts around your feet. The blast washes over you and you can see flames licking at your skin. Hskoro, standing near the creature, rasps back, "It's not real! It's not real!" Quinta, Krolmnite, Zaghigoth, Yekskya, please can you first make a Will save, DC 19, then a Reflex save against the same DC. If you fail both, take 35 points fire damage. If you only succeed on the Reflex save, take 17 points fire damage. If you only succeed on the Will save, you disbelieve the illusion but still suffer 6 points fire damage from interacting with the shadow energies. If you manage two successful saves, only take 3 points fire damage.

The summoned crocodile still remaining lunges at Quinta. She dodges out of the way, and the jaws snapping shut inches from her face feels so real!

Trying to help, Nkechi raises his enchanted trident high and stabs at the illusory crocodile. The crocodile reacts as if struck.

Hskoro flips out of the burning area of jungle and leaps at the shadow entity. He tries to put his fist through it, summoning his inner ki to try to grasp the incorporeal foe, but the creature simply drifts to the right and his fist connects with empty air. Moves 20 feet forward to engage it in melee.

Quinta, still singing her stirring song, attempts to weave a magic spell into it. She directs the spell at the shadow foe, but the spell fizzles out on contact.

Krolmnite pushes forward, also trying to engage the shadow in melee. He brandishes his cold iron sword, his smite helping to weaken the creature. He is aided by one of Yekskya's arrows, and as the things is blasted down to the ground. Ugh, I had also misread the special defences of incorporeal creatures, damage with magic/cold iron weapons is merely halved rather than have a 50% miss chance. So going back to Yekskya's successful hit this round and your earlier melee attacks, the thing just goes down! All that's left is the shadowy crocodile.

That just leaves the summoned shadow crocodile. Zaghigoth leaps forward and plunges his flame blade into the reptilian form. The flaming brand shreds the crocodile illusion to bits Victory!

Looking around, you find amongst the bodies of the slain pirates, five cutlasses, four well-made (masterwork) suits of studded leather, three finely crafted (masterwork) shortspears, and on one figure a strangely warming, golden ring.

Well done, that was a tricky encounter.

=========

Will save 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13. Reflex save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Quinta takes 35 damage... and is at -3 hp.

Surrounded by flames, unable to ward off the illusion, Quinta cries out - and falls to the ground, blistered, unconscious and rapidly fading!

With two characters still running for their lives (or towards their doom?) this was indeed quite tricky. And as you can see I'm back from my stay in the hospital (double bacterial pneumonia, flu and asthma) and a two-week recovery period at home.

Hskoro's warning surprises Yekskya and he steels his mind against an illusion of flames that seem very real. His disicipline in the face of the spell has an unintended consequence as he doesn't duck for cover and the flames lick against him, burning his flesh. Not as badly as Quinta however. Seeing her fall, Yekskya leaps over to see if he can help.
Will: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 4 = 22 We should be getting a +4 to disbelieve the illusion from Hskoro, correct?
Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
If I'm correct on the bonus from Hskoro, I take 6 damage, otherwise 35.
Heal to stablilize: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Will 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Reflex 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

The gnome burns, taking 35 points of damage. He drops to the ground, panting. "You know, dragons are the most evil beings I can think of. But these demons, they might be the second worst. So tricky," he grumbled, remembering the issues the group has had with demons so far.

Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Looks like that +4 Yekskya mentioned matters for me as well on the will save. Regardless, though, I remain conscious. 35 damage leaves me at 14 HP.

The flames engulf Zag and he yells out as the scorching forks lash his flesh. Raising his arms in front of his face in instinct, he endures them, and is surprised to find himself still conscious when the spell dissipates. He lurches back in sudden exhaustion, smoke curling up from his skin. Wrinkling his nose, he quickly looks about to see the fates of his comrades. Noticing Quinta on the ground, he rushes over, discharging the flaming scimitar in his hand in order to pull out the healing wand.

CLW Quinta: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Thanks, Zag! That's me at 5/37 hp.

Quinta slowly regains consciousness as her body heals.

"I hate creatures with spell resistance," is the first thing she says. "That succubus must still be dogging us, siccing her pals on us."

Grimacing, the Bard lays hands on herself and hums a tune. Her injuries visibly start to mend even further.

CLW x 2 on me for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 and 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5. Back to 13/37 hp. ... I could do with a top-up. ^^;

Oh yes, Hskoro's lucky save to disbelieve and communication grants you all a +4 bonus to your own saves, if that changes how the shadow evoked fireball affects you.

What was that thing? That battle took a lot out of you. Zaghigoth provides some healing to Quinta, bringing her back to consciousness after succumbing to that fireball effect. Nkechi kneels beside her as well and calls upon the power of Gozreh and the jungle wilds to bestow more healing upon the spellcasting diva. Hskoro looks aggrieved that Quinta has come to harm, and after making sure that she is alright takes up a defensive stance, keeping watch for the group. Nkechi casts cure serious wounds to heal Quinta 21 hit points, I think that just brings you nearly back to full strength? The Tempest asks if anyone else is in need of healing as well.

After a minute or two, Cat returns to the scene, followed a few moments later by Oshok'arr. They are out of breath, having been running full pelt. The iguanadon sniffs the gorilla's stiff corpse apprehensively. Welcome back Cat and Werner.

Anyone want to linger here? I'll begin sketching out the next leg of the journey, but if anyone wants to do any further exploration or roleplay here at the clearing please feel free.

Wary of any further threats lurking in the shadows, you move on. You make your way through the jungle, and despite the dangers, Nkechi proves to be a resourceful guide and teacher regarding what to watch out for. At one stage, your Mwangi guide points out signs that Eloko headhunters have crossed your path, vicious gnomish cannibals. You give the area a wide berth. Apart from that, you encounter wild animals but for the next couple weeks you suffer no real threats. A welcome relief to be sure, allowing you all time for respite on this gruelling trek. You get a break, nearly twenty days without any random encounters! You have pushed yourselves hard though, in that time covering nearly 400 miles.

Eventually the trees thin out again as you leave the Screaming Jungle to follow the river across the Korir Plains. At this point, the river widens and becomes fast and shallow, no more than a few feet deep. The surrounding vegetation consists almost entirely of reeds, mangroves, lotuses, and other water plants. The dappled sunlight is wonderful after the dark confines of the jungle. Along the way, you don't encounter any of the other parties racing to reach Tazion, but now and again you do spot evidence that other bands of wayfarers have been travelling the same paths as yourselves.

At one point, you pause alongside the river for a rest, replenishing your water supply. Most of you slowly become aware of the sound of splashing water from nearby, and laughing and chatter.

========

"Cat and Oshok'aee, I'm glad you didn't wind up in a trap set by that creature. It was a difficult fight. We should look around and see if the creature had a lair in the area." Once healed, Yekskya helps everyone to look around and see if the demon had a nest or cache nearby.

Days later, Yekskya hears the same sound of splashing, laughter and chatter, "A welcome sound of happiness, but I fear this trip is making me a cynic. Do any of you know of dangers these sounds might represent?"

During the days of travel, Quinta is constantly mulling over what happened, frowning and muttering as she goes through snippets of lore she has picked up over the years, trying to identify the creature that hurt her so badly.

Taking 20 on Knowledge (planes) for 22.

When the group stops for the sounds of splashing and laughter, she calmly nods to acknowledge Yeskya's question.

"Let me listen a little closer," Quinta says. "This doesn't seem the right environment for Nixies or Selkies, but I could be mistaken..."

Perception to better identify sounds: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Krolmnite spent the next traveling time trying to compare and contrast what he knew about Dragons and what he was learning about demons. Demons were more tricky, that much was sure. Dragons still seemed a bit stronger, but dedicating myself to slaying dragons and demons sounded like an pretty good plan

"I'm glad too, to be alright. But I'm ashamed that I was so easily panicked that I just took of and left you to fend for yourselves. I sincerely apologize to any and all who got hurt because of that. I'm sorry." Much of the time spent traveling, I find myself lost in thought, brooding on what befell us and how I could better resist the fear and control the panic that nearly cost me the lives of my friends.

When we hear the sound of splashing water and laughter, like Yekskya, I too am wary and wondering what dangers may be approaching us this time.

When Oshok'arr returns, Zag strokes the lizard's snout and pats her back. "I am glad you are safe, my friend. You as well, Cat."

Zag is glad for the respite from combat for such a length of time. He spends much of any downtime the caravan has exploring the local surrounding wilderness, mentally documenting any interesting plant or animal species he comes across. By night he finds secluded spots to commune with the spirits with Oshok'arr by his side. In these weeks he comes to find that there is a deeper wisdom in Oshok'arr than would be present in regular beasts, though he cannot quite place what that truly means.

As the group is resting near the water, he too hears the sounds of laughter. He looks around and shrugs. "Natives?"

Do we know what language the chatter is in?

Spells Prepared:

0 - Detect Magic, Resistance, Read Magic, Create Water
1 - Magic Fang, Calm Animals, Produce Flame, Faerie Fire
2 - Sickening Entangle, Burst of Radiance, Barkskin
3 - Plant Growth, Thorny Entanglement

@Zaghigoth: It's difficult to make out over the sounds of splashing water and laughing, but you reckon the voices are speaking Mwangi. They're not speaking about anything of great import, just seem to be enjoying themselves.

Drawing closer, the voices seem to be coming from just out of sight, in a pool around a few enormous boulders. There is quite a lot of brush around the river here, you ought to be able to sneak closer for a peek, if you wanted to.

Quinta holds up her hand for the others to stop, then pulls Ssss out of her collar and lowers him to the ground. The viper slithers away into the undergrowth and returns after a few minutes.

Sending my familiar out to check for danger, then report back, all while using natural cover.

Ssss slithers away through the undergrowth...

...and a few moments later you hear an alluring female voice calling out first in Mwangi and then in Common. "Hello? Is there someone there? Please, do not be alarmed. The water is quite safe here, we've just been bathing. Just give us a moment, as we dress." The laughter subsides gently, and you hear figures wading from the water to the near bank. The boulders still obscure your view. Ssss comes back to Quinta and coils at her feet.

=======

Quinta raises a finger to her lips and gestures to the others to wait - with the exception of Rowena, who she beckons forward. Scooping up Ssss as she advances, Quinta pushes forward through the reeds.

"Safe water good for bathing? That sounds like a jolly find indeed," she calls out in Polyglot while her viper creeps down her collar.

Quinta holds a Charm person in reserve, to cast through Perform (oratory) as per Spellsong. If she sees any hostiles, she will cast it on their leader by talking.

The gnome wasn't happy to wait while the others proceeded,,but he did as he was told. For now. Glory possibly awaited ahead, and he wasnt a fan of waiting to find more glory,

With an eyebrow raised, I look at Quinta, but when she heads off towards the source of the laughter, I turn and follow her. Keeping a few paces behind her, I cast my senses outward to find signs of danger.

Perception check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Yekskya waits for Quinta and Rowena.