One minor retcon, just before we leave...in private with Varn.
You have honored Kardas and the Statkari by agreeing to help us, it will not be forgotten Baron. There is one thing though, when the fighting starts I want your word that you will follow our lead and our orders. You are a guest of Kardas and it would be very poor form if you were to die under our protection. If you can't agree to this, I can not allow you to accompany us.
Retcon-
Maegar's eyebrows are raised in amusement before he smiles.
I had hoped to make it clear by holding the banner of Kardas that I am under your command for this hunt, Lord al'Dagon. I of course, agree to your terms. I do hope that my opinion, with the weight of many years behind it, will be listened to in times of counsel though.
Of course Lord Varn, your council will be considered. I may be young, but I have many good men and women around me. We wouldn't have gotten this far in the Stolen Lands if I was foolish or headstrong and didn't listen to those who know more than I. He smiles at Varn, In fact there are those that council me to be cautious with you. I agree that trust is earned but unless you extend a hand in Friendship you will rarely find it. I am sure that hand will be bitten from time to time but that won't discourage me from trying.
Kardas will be a mighty kingdom one day Lord Varn, those that have bitten the hand that was extended in friendship will surely regret it. This is not a warning to you Varn, you have already extended that hand and you will find an ally in Kardas if you wish it, but those who have stood to oppose us will not find our hand as friendly or forgiving.
Let's be off and kill this damned beast!
If we are to make camp, make it a cold one, as to not announce our presense. And I suggest we keep a stronger than usual vigil, in case something should attack us.
Kalev obscures your tracks and you spend the night talking and trading tales with Varn, who tells you stories about his own adventures in the Nomen Height. You each take a watch shift but nothing untoward happens in the night, although it rains heavily.
The next day, although the tracks are a little harder to follow from the rain the previous night Kalev doesn't appear to slow down. You are now dozens of miles deeper south of any claimed Kardas territory and near the very southern edge of the Greenbelt. The tracks lead to a rocky tor overlooking the Little Sellen River. A dark, gaping hole yawns in the side of said tor, the earth in front of the cave having been trampled flat and shattered trees and stumps bear the marks of powerful claws. Tufts of dark fur are snagged in branches and huge feathers litter the ground.
Kip replies to Malthir, I shall endevour to use entangle if it seems prudent, but I fear a creature of this size and strength shall mostly likely find it but an annoyance only.
To Kalev Kip adds, I can handle the enlarging part my good Kalev, but I do not possess a way to make you stronger I am afraid...
To the Guardians in general, This fight will most likely be a knock down brutal brawl. I don't suspect this animal will use any more sophisticated tactics than hit as hard as it can, as often as it can, until something is dead. We need to put it down as quickly as we can and avoid letting it do the same to one of us. I will make judicious use of my spells to keep it from attacking if I can, and, to protecting those that is does if I can't.
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When camp is struck, Kip sighs at the thought of cold trail rations and no fire for warmth, but does not say anything, realizing the need to remain inconspicuous. When the rains begins to fall, Kip pulls his cloak tighter and sighs again...
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As the Guardians comes upon the gaping hole in the ground, Kip remarks in a hushed tone, Well, it looks like this fight will not be happening in the wide out of doors like some of us may have imagined. I would suspect fighting it in its lair is going to make things a little more difficult and a lot more dangerous...
Kip bends down and picks up one of the enormous feathers, looking it over, before sticking it in his pack. Kip looks up at the others, shrugging his shoulders, A souvenir...
Kip looks to Kalev and the others, Are we sure it is in there? Might there be another entrance? Do we risk it, and perhaps scout out the lair and see what lies within? Better to know what we face as far as terrain goes... or do we try and lure it out into the open?
"This would certainly seem to be the beast's lair. I say we make sure that is is within, then lay an ambush out here and attempt to draw it out to us.
We should make sure the terrain in front of the cave mouth is difficult for the monster to move across, and use invisibility to maneuver into position. I will fire an enchanted arrow at it, so try and wait for that before moving in to attack."
We could try to draw it out with fresh meat? Meaning us of course. If we yell down into the cave we should be able to get its attention? Of course if this is a trap of some sort then they will know we are coming.
If we decide to go in or stay out here I suggest you enlarge Kalev and myself. Fenna can cast shield other on Kalev and me as well. I cast bless. Fenna can cast prayer as soon as we see it as well as Kip hitting it with slow. Enfeebling it would be useful as well since it won't hit us or hurt us as much then. I plan to make liberator a keen weapon as I go in. Casimir, Kalev, Varn what anything else?
Nerfed...:)
How do we determine it is in there and draw it out?
I believe my entangle spell would be better suited than our grease spells. The area of the entangle spell considerably larger, buying us much more time...
I can handle the decoy with a minor illusion... and can cast a sound within the cave to hopefully draw it out when we are prepared.
Kip looks sheepishly at Malthir, I could perhaps go and scout out the cave. I am relatively stealthy, especially when I am invisible... and I can use one of my wands to enhance my speed if I need to high tail it out of there. This is assuming that a trap of some sort does not await me within...
Kip tugs at his chain shirt as he looks down at it, as if deep in thought. I doubt this will do much good to protect me from this beast... and I cannot have it interfering with my spell casting at an inopportune time. Kip looks like he may be thinking of removing his armor...
Hold off until we figure out how we will scout into the cave and try to potentially draw out the beast.
Kip looks to Kalev and the others, Are we sure it is in there? Might there be another entrance?
I was thinking along similar lines myself actually Kip, especially as you seem to be concerned that it might be a trap. I would advise doing a circuit of the tor and keeping an eye peeled for alternative entrances.
Perhaps Kalev, we should circle the tor and look for other entrances, as well as, for additional tracks that might indicate if the owlbear is alone in there? Perhaps some should go, while others watch this entrance?
Before we do that why don't we have Kalev look at the tracks near the mouth of the cave entrance and see if any other creatures have gone into or out of the entrance as well as the relative age of the Owlber tracks at the entrance. Do the newest tracks seem to leave the cave or go back in to it? We can then scout around the Tor.
We should definitely scout out the place, before we use valuable resources. As I can see in the dark, perhaps I should be the one to scout, though I'm not as stealthy as our young friend here, Kalev says, with a nod towards the halfling sorcerer.
If I become enlarged, when the battle is about to commence, I should be able to hold it at the mouth of the tunnel, but perhaps making the area around the cave mouth, but not in front, difficult for the beast to thread. But let us first scout around the tor. It is a wise wolf that has two entrances to its lair, and this owlbear didn't grow to be so large by being stupid, I wager.
Kalev starts examining the ground near the entrance, alert to any sudden charging beasts, and then around the tor.
Fenna nods along in agreement with the suggestions thus far, "And if tracks of a potential instigator can be found, they may reveal whether the beast is alone, or if there may be others waiting for us within."
Kalev can clearly determine that the Owlbear's tracks leading back into the cave are fresh from yesterday. He doesn't spot any older tracks except one that leads north which he surmises is the tracks to Swordhaven.
Kip looks to Kalev, In the interest of full disclosure, I do possess an elixir that grants me vision on par with your own, for a while anyways... so that is no reason not to send me. Of course we could both go. I could cast vanish on both of us if need be... but it doesn't last very long. Long enough to beat a hasty retreat if pressed.
I think if we are to be successful against this beast we need to bring as much force against it, as quickly as we can, while limiting its own ability to attack. The more of us dealing it damage the better. I do not doubt that you could hold it at bay for a while, brave Kalev, but I'm worried that you would pay to high a price in return. If I am successful in slowing the creature, hitting and moving should be a sound tactic. I will try and be in position to lend aid in the form of invisibility, or illusory copies, for those in the greatest danger.
I of course can enlarge any that wishes it...
I can also attempt to sap its strength... but I worry that it will prove quite resistant to the attempt. The same for blinding it...
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The beast does seem abnormal in nature. Its huge size. Its use of leather armor. The fact it seemed to leave its lair with the intent of attacking Swordhaven and then returning straight away to its lair afterwards. Although I am not very familiar with Owlbear nature, this one seems to be acting under some sort of direction. Perhaps some sort of magical compulsion is involved? Has Kardas upset any druids in the past? Could this be the work of other enemies of Kardas? Either those known to us or those unknown?
Okay, let's go ahead and have a search around the tor and see if we find any other tracks or entrances to the cave. We should then be ready to scout the cave knowing there are no other entrances or exits.
Kalev-
Fenna-
Malthir-
Ilya-
Casimir-
Maegar-
You do not spot any other entrances into the tor itself. Just under an hour has passed.
So there it is...looks like its time to go into the tiger's den so to speak. Kip, Kalev you going to go ahead and sneak in invisible? At least it might get you into the first cave unnoticed. Casimir, you should put See invisibility on Kalev.
Once Kalev is ready, Casimir casts Feather Step on him, then Vanish.
I think we should rely on our skill until we have reason to use the invisibility.... as it only lasts a short while.
I am to use my elixir then to see?
Let us scout ahead and decide when we strike later, Kalev says. I would suggest holding your Vanish spell, Master Bard, as it will not even last till we reach the entrance by what I understand of magic.
Kip pulls a vial from his pack and downs the contents as he eyes up the cave opening. He then pulls a wand from his belt and grips it in one hand. Looking to Kalev, Kip stands as tall as he can and announces, I am ready! With a twinkle in his eye, a gesture of his hand and a spoken word he vanishes from sight.
A second later, Kip's whispered voice can be heard, Young friend? What do you have me by Kalev? Two winters? Just because I am little... you can tell by the tone in his voice that Kip is smiling his usual wide grin even though you cannot see it.
Once Kalev is ready, Casimir casts Feather Step on him (from wand), then Vanish.
The two disappear from sight as they become invisible and move forward.
It wouldn't hurt to get a stealth roll from Kalev but its not urgent... yet. Include in your next post please. I'll assume your moving at full speed too so your stealth bonus from invisibility is +10.
You advance forty feet (4 rounds left) together, moving rapidly through the tunnel and to the mouth of the large cave. Once there you see...
The two disappear from sight as they become invisible and move forward.
** spoiler omitted **
Once there you see...
And a cliff hangar ending! :)
Malthir waits with his sword drawn, whispering a silent prayer to Iomedae to keep his friends safe.
The cave mouth widens into a large cavern filthy with carrion and offal. A bewildering variety of molds and fungi grow on the roof and walls, some as big as a person. Countless insects scuttle about underfoot, feeding on the mounds of waste. A large tunnel slopes down to the south, with a similar opening to the north. You spot glints of metal in the piles of rancid faeces, suggesting that some useful equipment and or coins are scattered in the remains.
You each have three rounds of invisibility left. The cave does appear to extend further to the east, but from where you are stood its beyond the range of your darkvision.
Regarding the pinkish fungi on the map-
This man sized mushroom is in fact a violet fungus, a subterranean creature that can move slowly about on a mass of small feelers. This result reveals all plant traits.
As well as being partially mobile, violet fungi also have poisonous tentacles that can incapacitate the unwary dungeoneer.
Violet fungi are often found growing among shriekers which they closely resemble. You think its unlikely these three fungi will attack you or your group as long as you don't linger for more than a few rounds or provoke them first. They have enough living material to digest in the room for now.
You recognise the purpley mushrooms by the north and south tunnels as shriekers. This human-sized purple mushroom emits a piercing sound that lasts for 1d3 rounds whenever there is movement or a light source within 10 feet. This shriek makes it impossible to hear any other sound within 50 feet. The sound attracts nearby creatures that are disposed to investigate it. Some creatures that live near shriekers learn that this noise means there is food or an intruder nearby.
I don't like the look of those mushrooms. I suggest we proceed with caution, Kalev whispers, clutching Cleft in his hands.
Agreed. The purple colored mushrooms adjacent to the side tunnels are shriekers. If we stray too close they will emit a piercing sound and we won't have to sorry about how to draw the Owlbear out... perhaps we can sneak by? Kip's tone suggests he isn't entirely convinced this will be possible.
As an afterthought Kip adds, What this room needs is some fire...
I doubt we can sneak past them. After all, I don't see any eyes on the mushrooms, so they probably sense by other means. Fire would probably kill them but also alert the owlbear. Perhaps we should just sneak back to the others and tell what we've discovered.
They are sensitive to light and movement... if we try and fail... then we will have drawn out the Owlbear. We haven't learned much up to this point but I will defer to you in this case.