Kalev reels in pain from the horrible wound he's received, before swinging at the wounded fungi with considerable force, despite his reduced size and strength.
-----
Despite his diminished size and the poisonous rot festering where a tentacle struck him, Kalev cuts down both of his targets with wide swings of his bardiche.
Varn takes a step back to move beside Casimir behind him. Responding to Malthir in a calm tone, he says-
Understood. Oh, well struck Kalev...
Attacking the fungus with his bow, Varn's hands are a motion of efficiency as he quickly nocks and fires two arrows; the first slamming into the previously unwounded fungus and the second narrowly missing.
The prayer completed, a muscular hunting hound with gold-highlighted fur springs into being in front of the pale gnome, bounding into the cave before dropping low alongside the massive form of Malthir.
Sensing through the divine link that the wound suffered by Kalev was not limited to the mere impact of the blow, Fenna takes into her hand an ashen wand and walks purposefully to the threshold of the Owlbear's lair.
Malthir will move 20' to past Kalev -B,-C -2,-3 drawing an AOO from the fungi
Current AC 27 enlarged
and attack it
Kip, get the enlarge back on Kalev unless the Owlbear shows up!
The fungus strikes at Malthir as he maneuvers alongside it but Malthir steps on the tentacle as he walks and it is ignored underneath his plate boots. Irritated by this, the fungus attacks with another tentacle which is also ignored by the heavily armoured giant.
AOO
Ordered Initiative-
Casimir- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Owlbear- 9
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
Violet Fungi- 4
Map, Map Features & Notes-
Active Effects-
Feather Step Casimir.
Expeditious Retreat Casimir.
Shield of Faith Casimir.
Longstrider Kalev.
Lead Blade Kalev.
Grease Kalev.
Enlarge Kalev.
Enlarge Malthir.
Shield other Kalev/Fenna.
Bless all.
Inspire Courage all.
Keen sword Malthir.
Shield of Faith Malthir.
Shield of Faith Kalev.
Shield of Faith Varn.
Antitoxin Kalev.
Antitoxin Malthir.
Round 12
Holding his bow in one hand, Casimir draws his wand of Feather step and uses it to enchant Malthir.
Round 12
Kip moves into position behind Kalev calling out as he does, Kalev, hold still, this won't take but a moment! Kip waves his wand about and speaks the word that will unleash its magical power.
.
Kalev cleaves at the remaining fungus with Cleft, his weapon tearing into the creature.
It takes both strikes, but Kalev destroys the fungus with Cleft.
Maegar takes a step forward, remaining behind Malthir as ordered.
Malthir will move 40 feet straight ahead so he can get a good look into this chamber...and yells out
Come here you cowardly beast, the Guardians of Kardas are here and we plan to add you to our collection of floor rugs!!!!!
"Kalev," Fenna says, stepping forwards, "do not go too far."
The gnome begins to move the wand in her hand in a complex gesture, while the dog at her side springs after Malthir.
Kip watches as Malthir strides forward alone to call out the Owlbear, while thinking to himself, And...this is the point where the large monster lunges out of the darkness and rends our illustrious leader limb from limb... Kip can't help but wince a little in anticipation of the blow.
The shriekers in the cave begin to make their horrible, shrill sounds, spurred into even greater noise by Malthir's shouts. Unless they are somehow silenced, everyone within the cave itself (not the tunnel) will act as though Deafened.
Ordered Initiative-
???- 19
???- 18
Casimir- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
???- 5
Map, Map Features & Notes-
Active Effects-
Feather Step Casimir.
Feather Step Malthir.
Expeditious Retreat Casimir.
Shield of Faith Casimir.
Longstrider Kalev.
Lead Blade Kalev.
Grease Kalev.
Enlarge Malthir.
Shield other Kalev/Fenna.
Bless all.
Inspire Courage all.
Keen sword Malthir.
Shield of Faith Malthir.
Shield of Faith Kalev.
Shield of Faith Varn.
Antitoxin Kalev.
Antitoxin Malthir.
Appearing without warning into the light provided by Malthir's sword, a dripping mass of slime, dirt, faeces, on two massive tree trunks that appear to serve it as legs. Possibly even more horrifying, the plant creature appears to bear a symbiotic parasite; diminutive centipedes swarm through its mass. The plant charges at Malthir but the Baron is ready for the attack and is unharmed by the thud of a wooden limb the size of a greatclub slamming into his full plate.
Not what Kip had expected to appear...
... and something he does not recognize.
This is a shambling mound, a powerful and vicious predator. They have the ability to deliver massive blows, and they are alarmingly stealthy for their size. They understand Common and Sylvan, but do not speak. They are typically Neutral, and much more intelligent than plant life has any right to be.
In addition, the shambler's limbs are frequently used to batter multiple opponents to death- the Shambling Mound has the Cleave feat.
In addition, the Shambling Mound is immune to electricity, and such magic even makes the plant tougher. The plant is also resistant to fire.
Even mighty warriors have fallen victim to the Shambling Mounds vicious hold, literally ripped into pieces by the mound's constricting and brutal grasp. To eat, the Shambling Mound absorbs organic material into itself.
You don't know much about the centipedes (it was primarily a dungeoneering check) but you can recognise enough to tell that they will be poisonous, and swarm anything the mound grapples.
Having entered the kingdom of Kardas a couple of days ago, you have enjoyed a fairly easy ride without disruption through the eastern farmlands in the rolling hills of the Kamelands Hills. Approaching the city of Swordhaven, you note that it is already an impressive testament to the industrious of this new barony; a fairly large city has sprung up in only three years or so. You note with a critical eye that the city has no walls defending it, but the stone castle built at the heart of the city would be a strong defence in itself. Entering from the east outskirts of the city, you find yourself in a block of the city mostly dedicated to the docks; two long piers with supporting warehouses play host to a small fleet of fishing vessels that ply their trade in the Tuskwater.
Sense Motive
There is an aura of unease about the city people you see; and you understand that it is not just at the sight of a heavily armoured, unknown warrior moving through the streets. Something must have happened here recently.
Round 13
Kip finishes activating his wand and immediately Kalev returns to his previously enlarged state. Hearing Kalev's warning to Malthir, Kip decides to help Malthir avoid being grappled if he can. Kip focuses on the latest adversary and utters a word of power . I am going to attempt to blind it! I hope that this works... Kip thinks to himself, reminded of his recent failures with the hydra.
Round 13
Kip finishes activating his wand and immediately Kalev returns to his previously enlarged state. Hearing Kalev's warning to Malthir, Kip decides to help Malthir avoid being grappled if he can. Kip focuses on the latest adversary and utters a word of power . I am going to attempt to blind it! I hope that this works... Kip thinks to himself, reminded of his recent failures with the hydra.
Casimir moves to the end of the entrance tunnel, ready to fire at the owlbear if it shows up.
Bedecked in black armour, Ricter walks slowly along the street of swordhaven. His helmet sweeps left and right, and those who fall under his gaze feel their souls laid bare.
Finally, the Hellknight reaches the gates of the citadel and stands before the guards at it's gate. He announces in a deep, measured voice
"I am Hellknight Ricter Vorsk of the Order of the Chain. I seek an audience with Baron Malthir Al Dagon and his advisors"
Casimir moves and nocks an arrow, ready to fire if the Owlbear appears. Even with Malthir's sword illuminating 20 feet around him, your uncomfortably aware at the edges of the light is yet more cave. Kip casts a spell of magic, gesturing at the monstrous plant before him.
Your spell appears to have been resisted.
** spoiler omitted **
The guards at the gate to the keep nod at your request and explain
The Baron and his Guardians are currently dealing with a threat to the realm... but wait here for a moment and i'll see if any of the other Statkari are available to meet you.
One of the guards whistles for a servant and asks him to fetch "General Kesten". Your fairly sure the laypeople of Swordhaven would have to go to greater lengths to gain an audience with one of the kingdom's Statkari (their term for Lord, as far as you can tell), but it seems the reputation of the Hellknights preceeds you even this far east. Or possibly the guards understand that a man garbed in full platemail armour likely has pressing matters to discuss.
You are not kept waiting long. A man of similar age to yourself walks out of the castle itself. He is tall, lean and fairly muscular with neatly trimmed black hair and green eyes. You instantly recognise him as a career soldier, both from his physique and his weaponry and armour. Hands clasped calmly behind his back, he approaches and formally addresses you.
Hellknight Ricter Vorsk, of the Order of the Chain. You are a long way from Corentyn. Allow me to welcome you to Castle Swordhaven, heart of the realm of Kardas. I am Kesten of House Garess.
He slowly looks over his sholder at the street behind him, and the people watching their exchange
"I take it this threat to the realm is what has the citizens on edge? Their nervousness is obvious."
This is a shambling mound, a powerful and vicious predator. They have the ability to deliver massive blows, and they are alarmingly stealthy for their size. They understand Common and Sylvan, but do not speak. They are typically Neutral, and much more intelligent than plant life has any right to be.
In addition, the shambler's limbs are frequently used to batter multiple opponents to death- the Shambling Mound has the Cleave feat.
** spoiler omitted **
Kesten nods firmly.
Kardas is always looking for strong allies they can count on for reciprical aid. Yes, you have the right of it. The city was ravaged the day before yesterday by a monstrous Owlbear over sixteen feet tall, so forgive the people's lack of proper... hospitality. Baron Malthir and his Guardians rode out yesterday morning to track and kill the beast. I cannot speak for him, but I can invite you to dine and stay in the castle with us for lunch and introduce you to the other Statkari present in Swordhaven. I suspect Baron al Dagon will be interested in hearing you out and potentially giving you a chance to prove yourself to us in battle, once he returns.
Kip tries to shout a warning, over the racket the shriekers are making, to those around him,
With that, Ricter walks away, heading for the town library to see what sort of knowledge the rulers of Swordhaven see fit to make available to their citizens.
Again having to stoop to move through the tunnel, Kalev makes his way carefully to withing striking distance of the shambling mound.
[ooc]Kalev double moves to -A/A, 3/4[/occ]
Malthir tries to strike down the Shambler, his anger obvious at the events so far!
Potential crit
Maegar moves into the room, slinging his bow over his shoulder in preparation to draw his sword. Malthir makes a mighty one-handed swing that cleaves through the mound, the light on his blade dulled with the blood of countless centipedes and dripping plant matter. Spurred on by his success, he swings again, the sword thudding into the plant mass without carving through it or seeming to harm it.
Fenna continues the ritual to activate the wand, stepping slowly forwards while the summoned hound presses forward eagerly, though ineffectively, as though held back by an invisible leash.
** spoiler omitted **
The first test of your character will be at dinner then, Hellknight. You are welcome to stay in the castle as our guest.
Word of your visit has apparently spread over Swordhaven by this point and curious glances are shot your way everywhere you go. Moving to see the library you see some of the damage dealt by the Owlbear en route; entire buildings destroyed by brute force, their walls caved in and the floors trampled. The library is a humble building, possessing knowledge in a variety of fields but not specialising in any. The librarian, an elderly man with a kind smile, asks you if you are looking for anything in particular.
At this point, Kalev can see giant spiders that are the size of horses entering the cave from a tunnel to the north, although they stay out of the range of Maegar and Malthir's light sources so the other Guardians are unaware of them. Kalev counts nine in total, some scuttling along the floor and some on the walls or ceiling of the cave thirty feet above. Malthir also becomes aware of the threat although he cannot see it, as two webs fly at him from the darkness both sailing overhead. One spider also spins a web at Kalev, successfully catching the enlarged half-orc and entangling him. Two webs are also flung at Maegar Varn from closer range but he is able to spin out of the path of one that looked sure to entangle him.
Miss
Miss
Hit vs Kalev
The character is ensnared. Being entangled impedes movement, but does not entirely prevent it unless the bonds are anchored to an immobile object or tethered by an opposing force. An entangled creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity. An entangled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) or lose the spell.
An entangled creature can escape with a successful Escape Artist check or burst the web with a Strength check. Both are standard actions with a DC equal to 10 + 1/2 the creature’s HD + the creature’s Con modifier. Attempts to burst a web by those caught in it take a –4 penalty.
Ordered Initiative-
???- 19
Shambling Mound- 18
Casimir- 17
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
Giant Spiders- 5
Map, Map Features & Notes-
Active Effects-
Feather Step Casimir.
Feather Step Malthir.
Expeditious Retreat Casimir.
Shield of Faith Casimir.
Longstrider Kalev.
Lead Blade Kalev.
Grease Kalev.
Enlarge Malthir.
Enlarge Kalev.
Shield other Kalev/Fenna.
Bless all.
Inspire Courage all.
Keen sword Malthir.
Shield of Faith Malthir.
Shield of Faith Kalev.
Shield of Faith Varn.
Antitoxin Kalev.
Antitoxin Malthir.
Entangled Kalev
The shambling mound steps a little closer to the lighter armoured and webbed Kalev and uses massive limbs to slam him with tremendous force. The mound's first blow tears past Kalev's defences and armour, just barely hitting him because of the webbing hindering his movements. It tries to take advantage of the blow it dealt Kalev to grab him and pull him closer, but the grease covering Kalev's armour causes it to lose its wooden grip. The mound's second slam's motion is arrested mid-swing, barely turned aside by Kalev's armour. In the background, the shriekers continue to wail in their horrid, shrill tone.
Hit (normal AC22, enlarged 20, entangled 18, shield of faith 21)
6 damage to Kalev and Fenna. Concentration check for Fenna required.
Miss
CMB vs CMD
Fenna lets out a long sigh as her own life-force is draw away to protect Kalev from the blow of the shambling mound, causing her to miss an important syllable in her casting.