Fondo switches his weapon to his sap and opens the door (or steps back and makes room for others if you want to stay in combat rounds). "Who do you think? Our necromancer? Some poor innocent?"
"Only one way to find out."
Actually many ways via magic, I think. One two ways that we possess: opening the door or talking through it.
Fondo overruns the poor Derro and lands behind him and opens the door. Charlie is stunned by the loud clap. Barael will rush up and slay the remaining Derro. Dandilion moves around the room, careful to avoid broken glass. Nikolay prepares for the worst! Majenko flies to Charlie and sits on his shoulder patiently waiting for the wonderful wash of healing he bestows. Briar chats with Fondo.
Beyond the door is a creature - a disgusting amalgamation of dead animal parts lurching from the shadows. THe foul smelling pieces have been stitched together with thick black thread in a shape approximate that of a man, yet it is certainly not human. Cobbled together from bits of a dozen carcasses from half as many different species, the staggering shape utters a gurgling cry as it shambles forth ripping the door from your grasp and stepping up to Fondo. (picture)
Also, from deeper in the tunnels you hear a high squeaky voice call out, "Are you OK little guy?! Did the carrion get loose again? Do you need some help?!" then lower as the creature gets closer you can just make out, "hehehe, poor little guy can't handle anything alone. I don't know why master lets him…"
You see the creature cabbagehead (picture). Some sort of ogre like thing with rolls of greasy skin covering the usual features. He sees the door open to the south.
"You're not allowed to be here! You let the creature out! Get out now! Get out or Cabbagehead will throw you out!"
Now up, everyone for a two front battle! At least you have the drop on them. Fondo has used a move action to open the door, but is 'next' in initiative order with a standard remaining, then Charlie, then the top of round 2, etc.
Barael observes Fondo switching to his sap. Poor innocent? Or another half-crazed blue? Maybe a big blue this time. Barael sheathes his rapier, and drops his own sap into his hand from the wrist sheath.
"If I get thunderclapped one more time..."
Round 2, Init 6+
Fondo strikes at the creature defensively and steps back.
AC 22 (10 +3 dex +4 mithril shirt +1 buckler +3 fight defensively +1 combat expertise)
HP = 26/26
Weapon equipped Sap
Shield equipped Buckler
Bardic performance used 2 of 6 rounds
Spells used 1st: 1 of 2
Round 2, Init 17 V24-->U27
- Fort Save
- Knowledge Aracana on golem
- Knowledge dungeoneering (?) on Cabbagehead
With Fondo in the way, Nikolay heads over to Cabbagehead and swings.
Swing now. Ask questions later.
Agreed.
Round 2, Init 19
"Ugh, not on him, but..." when the Cabbage headed creature comes into view, Dandi will try again to fascinate using her webs of color, take a 5ft step to U26 to do so.
Cabbagehead glances at the scintillating colors behind him...
...and turns back around just in time for Nikolay to hit him.
"Pretty colors hurt my head!"
Round 2, Init 7
Briar takes a look at the two foes and wonders what they are as he moves to R24.
Know (Arcana)
Know (Religion)
Know (Planes)
Briar will shoot the C1.
to hit;
damage.
Round 2, Init 18
Barael doesn't like Fondo facing off against the brute solo, so he tries to tumble through the occupied space to establish a much needed flank.
If successful, Barael bashes with the sap against the behemoth.
for damage
Charlie will cast CLW from the wand on Majenko.
Fondo swings and misses repositioning himself slightly in the process. Charlie heals Majenko and gets the sense the Cabbagehead very definitely is out to impress someone and thinks that someone wants you all dead. He's most fanatical in his devotion and is unlikely to be swayed from it. Barael switches weapons and doesn't have enough actions to try and tumble through the creature so he stays put (and avoids the AoO in the process!). Dandilion tries to fascinate Cabbagehead, but he doesn't buy it. Nikolay gives Cabbagehead a wallop and learns something. Majenko flies up over Nikolay's shoulder and strikes but fails to connect. Briar also misses.
Cabbagehead strikes out at Nikolay, "Rolth give me big reward for your head!", and almost crits, but fails to confirm. The Carrion Golem takes it's rage out on Fondo but his defensive stance saves the day.
Round 3, Init 7+
Man these guys are annoying.
Briar steadies his aim, trying to get a clear shot.
Sure wish they would get out of my way so I could get a shot in.
Briar fires again at Cabbagehead.
to hit;
damage.
Round 3, Init 6+ {>V23}
Fondo drops his sap, and tumbles back into the corner of the alchemist lab, drawing his rapier as he goes.
AC 18 (10 +3 dex +4 mithril shirt +1 buckler)
HP = 26/26
Weapon equipped Mace
Shield equipped Buckler
Bardic performance used 3 of 6 rounds
Spells used 1st: 1 of 2
"The Mountain Man doth bring us ruin.
But ours, the Harrowed? No. If ruin be
upon us, theirs be it this day, my friends."
Round 3, Init 19
Dandi pulls back to (R-26), to give the others more room, pulling a vial from one of her pockets as she goes.
For the paranoid, we're not going back in time. It's actually the end of round 3 and beginning of round 4 unlike what I posted in my synopsis. :)
Round 3, Init 17
Nikolay shouts out,"Most spells won't work on the golem! Bash it or slash it!" while he tries to cut Cabbagehead again.
Slash it! Into ribbons! Into bits!
Fondo makes way and inspires the party to greater glory! Charlie heals Nikolay with the wand and moves back into the room (). Barael 5' steps to U26 (as per offline discussions) and readies to attack any opponent that comes within reach. He ends up with an attack and an AoO connecting once for 5hp. Barael will drop his sap and draw his magical rapier. Dandilion also drops back and gathers her resources. Nikolay swings and misses - with an 18! Majenko withdraws into the room and settles on Briar's shoulder. "I don't think I can pierce that thick skin!" Briar lines up his shot and connects with Cabbagehead doing a little extra damage thanks to Fondo.
Cabbagehead continues to press on Nikolay, "Master will not like it if I fail. I must not fail.", but misses. The Carrion Golem foolishly presses on Fondo, his target du jour. It triggers Barael's ready - and an AoO from him.
Round 5, Init 7+
Briar smiles as a target comes into cleaner view.
I don't have to try to avoid shooting my friends in the back. That is always the hardest part.
"Thanks for the hint, Nikolay," Briar smirks as he draws a blunt arrow.
Not only are fully half of that one's hits massively painful blows, but he also knows stuff as well.
to hit;
damage.
Round 5, Init 17
Nikolay trades blows with Cabbagehead and holds the door as the carrion golem enters and gives Barrael something to deal with.
Who is your master? I will tell him you tried hard."
Round 4, Init 6+
Fondo smiles at the ugly beastie.
AC 19 (10 +3 dex +4 mithril shirt +1 buckler +1 combat expertise)
HP = 21/26
Weapon equipped Mace
Shield equipped Buckler
Bardic performance used 4 of 6 rounds
Spells used 1st: 1 of 2
"You'll carry on unto your jigsaw doom,
Barael'll gash and I shall bash your skull
to free you unto Ph'rasma's grasp. Sweet dreams."
He drops his rapier and draws his mace, ready to maul the creature once Barael steps up.
Round 5, Init 19
Dandi moves to (S-23), throwing an alchemists fire at the intersection of U/V and 23/24.
"Agh! Jel'enedra, that burns!"
Dandi winces as she gets little more on Fondo than she intended, "Oops, sorry! Are you ok?"
Round 4-5 Init 5- {>U23}
"I hear that Rolth does not have enough treasure to give you much reward. Maybe a piece of pocket lint or a little piece of shiny string."
AC 13 (10 +3 MW studded leather)
CMD 10
HP = 21/21
If anyone is poisoned Charlie will attempt a heal check (+10)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:4 (Create Water, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:15 (3/5 per day) (Bless, Ray of enfeeblement, Shield of Faith, Cure Light, Protection from Evil)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 5/7 times per day.
summon elemental: 4/4 rounds per day
Sociable Trait3[/b]/4 rounds per day
wand CLW 21/50
Weapon equipped = Biting wit
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
Fondo strikes true damaging the golem for 8hp. Charlie heals Fondo and taunts Cabbagehead. Barael takes a deep breath and steps into flank with Fondo and strikes slamming it hard! Dandilion tosses an alchemy fire on the wall wounding both the golem and Fondo. Nikolay has trouble getting his blade back out of the folds of skin, but he manages - and strikes true. Majenko unable to really do any damage, flaps onto Fondo's shoulder and strikes to aid (+2 AC to Fondo). Briar draws a bead on the golem and hits.
Cabbagehead falls to Nikolay, phlegm flecking from his lips, "You do not understand! If you did, you would give your lives now to me for the greater glory of the master!" Alas, his eyes grow cold and he drops to the ground a bleeding fleshy lump. The Carrion Golem flails at Fondo the dim blank stare on his face a clue to his cluelessness. All rage, he connects fiercely with Fondo (I think) for 13 hp damage and a Fort save vs disease DC 12.
Round 5-6 Init 5- {>T23}
[ooc]Heals Fondo for with the wand . 5' step to T23[ooc]
"Bob and weave Fondo. That thing is from crazytown!
AC 13 (10 +3 MW studded leather)
CMD 10
HP = 21/21
If anyone is poisoned Charlie will attempt a heal check (6)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:4 (Create Water, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:15 (3/5 per day) (Bless, Ray of enfeeblement, Shield of Faith, Cure Light, Protection from Evil)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 5/7 times per day.
summon elemental: 4/4 rounds per day
Sociable Trait3[/b]/4 rounds per day
wand CLW 20/50
Weapon equipped = Biting wit
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
Round 5, Init 6+
"Thanks Char— Gugh."
Fondo gets raked deeply in the side by some animal's rotting claw, as Charlie's healing saves him from falling down.
AC 21 (10 +3 dex +4 mithril shirt +1 buckler + 1 combat expertise + 2 Harrow)
HP = 9/26 (after Charlie goes)
Weapon equipped Mace
Shield equipped Buckler
Bardic performance used 5 of 6 rounds
Spells used 1st: 1 of 2
Channeling the fortune of Zellara, Desna and the Rabbit Prince, Fondo assumes greater alacrity and continues lyricizing.
"You think to *cough* do ME a mortal blow
But hear me: you're the Lady's subject now.
And we shalll drive you to your grave somehow."
"That thing is from crazytown!
Briar smirks. Takes one to know one.
Round 6, Init 7+
Briar draws another blunt arrow and fires again at the golem.
to hit;
damage.
Meh. I missed because I had Fondo's blood in my eye.
Round 6, Init 17
Nikoaly considers waiting, but then decides to climb up on the rickety looking table (U-25) and slash at the golem.
- Acrobatics if needed for jump or balance
Nikolay - you can't get up onto the table unfortunately. It is covered with alchemy materials - ie there is no actual space to land. You could force it scattering glass and materials everywhere, but there would be damage done to you and in a splash radius.
And you need a higher acrobatics to actually get on the table in any event. So this round you're unable to clear the tables edge (DC 13 at least I should think), but in the future consider the difficulty of landing. Might be moot if Barael hits it though... post in a moment!
Fondo continues his inspiration but cannot convert it to a hit although he does call upon the harrow to improve his dodging ability against the golem. He also manages to pick up a disease. Charlie heals Fondo, a bit, and backs off. Barael uses a Ki point for an extra attack to try to finish it - and succeeds! Dandilion readies an action to throw an alchemy fire if she can do it without hurting her allies. Nikolay tries to jump up onto the table, but fails. Majenko continues to aid Fondo's AC (+2 to AC). Briar continues to have a clear lane to shot down, but manages to miss anyway.
The golem teters for a moment... before crashing to the ground, dead (or inert depending on how you view constructs). Cabbagehead continues to bleed.
And we're out of initiative! Good job everyone!
Nikolay watches Cabbagehead bleed for a few seconds and then goes over to examine the golem.
I doubt he'd tell us anything if we revived him.
Not likley.
Briar smirks as the golem falls, and joins Nikki I the examination.
Interesting creature, that one.
"What did you say it was again? Gollum?"
Briar casts Detect Magic and prods at it a bit.
"Majenko, you know anything about this?"
Fondo slumps a bit against Charlie. Smiling, he grasps Charlie's wand hand and says the wand's command word. "Fernslayr"
"Ah, yes, that's how it works. "Fernslayr!"
"Thanks, Kako!"
Fondo then scans the room for magic.
AC 13 (10 +3 MW studded leather)
CMD 10
HP = 21/21
If anyone is poisoned Charlie will attempt a heal check (6)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:4 (Create Water, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:15 (3/5 per day) (Bless, Ray of enfeeblement, Shield of Faith, Cure Light, Protection from Evil)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 5/7 times per day.
summon elemental: 4/4 rounds per day
Sociable Trait3[/b]/4 rounds per day
wand CLW 18/50
Weapon equipped = Biting wit
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
There is no new magic in the room, or in the store room where the golem temporarily resided. The store room looks like what you'd expect, except it's been trashed by the out of control golem. About all that's still useful is the firewood stored there. Hard to trash firewood.
Nothing of particular value in either room other than a mostly intact alchemy lab.
Fondo, go ahead and make your next save vs the disease while we're thinking about it with Charlie's +4 bonus. Hopefully you'll make the save and we won't have to worry further what sort of leprous ailments have befallen you!
Fondo moves with some amount of care into the passage from wence came the ogrekin.
The tunnels curve and wend a bit. To the north they end in another sturdy door. To the east the tunnel winds 20yds or so before ending in an ancient iron gate, long ago rusted shut. The tunnel continues beyond into the inky darkness of the warrens.
To the south however is a foul smelling cavern bordered on three sides by ten foot del pits. It is from these pits that the rancid smell of excrement and decay fills the air. Each pit contains a few heaps of moldy straw, a wooden trough of filthy water, a few rotting body parts, and a couple still living prisoners!
There are 5 prisoners there currently, and when they see you they clamor for their freedom. They are frightened, malnourished and sickly humans who have been imprisoned here for days - and in some cases weeks.
Fondo helps the prisoners get out. "My good people—my name's Fondo. If you'll come with me, we'll get you out of here. Mind the room with the otyugh. What do you call yourselves? Have you perchance seen a Shoanti man or his body?"
"Perhaps some of you could search the pits while I guide them out? There're some body parts down there. Anyone else care to join me?"
Charlie then gets to work getting the prisoners out of the pits and tending to their wounds/ailments etc.
"Can someone magic these folks clean? Everything's gonna be alright now. Let me fix you up so we can get you out of here."
Before helping them out, Nikolay calls down, "Who are you? Who imprisoned you here?"
They were captured uniformly at night. Sounds like the derro would lie in wait in ally-ways and jump lone travelers dragging them down here for processing and eventual slaughter for parts.
They introduce themselves with varying degrees of clarity, but you do get their names. They're not a very talkative bunch really - more exhausted and relieved than anything. Though some do chat a little. One is rambling on about how long they've been here, another won't talk at all, one woman vows to make amends for her wasted life up to this point, etc.
All of them are quite eager to get out of the pit and the complex. I presume that, with a little preamble, you do in fact help them.
---
The ex-prisoners are quite glad you're freeing them and VERY appreciative of the healing. I presume you're not spending hours here, but rather quick bandage jobs. Two of them have disease, which your heal checks identify as Filth Fever which could kill them if not treated (requires two daily saves so not something you can do here).
Charlie is able to work wonders with a few well placed spells - particularly create water. Unless someone beats him to it, Majenko flies over and casts Prestidigitation, cleaning the worst of the scum off their bodies and clothes.
They can't tell you much of the complex, this is as far as they've gotten. They will tell you that people come and go, mostly the Derro but also a tallish human who seemed to be in charge. They didn't get names - other than Cabbagehead - their jailer.
They have not seen a Shoanti man, but one of them does say there's an arm with strange tattoos in his pit. A cursory search of the area reveals an arm that matches the description of your sought after Shoanti.
"Lovely. Dismembered. Briar, I'm afraid your worries may've been well placed. The otyugh'll have to go."