DM Dan E’s Legacy of Fire (Inactive)

Game Master Dan E

The inquisitor turns to the rest of the party...

"What say you, five relatively known quantities versus a direct assault ? I am tempted to say yes to Lesaar's request, but will not speak for any of you when it comes to the choice of life or death."

"We kill these creatures' enemy in return for their promise to show us the way through the tunnels? Do we trust them to keep their word? What is to keep them from refusing to give us what they promised when the deed is done?"

"You can not mean to go through with this!" Linah says in a shocked tone. "It wants us to kill on of its bretheren, for no other reason that Lesaar finds it lazy. We are not assassins who kill without reason. We can not accept this task, Khalid!"

"You can not mean to go through with this!" Linah says in a shocked tone. "It wants us to kill on of its bretheren, for no other reason that Lesaar finds it lazy. We are not assassins who kill without reason. We can not accept this task, Khalid!"

Now that we have seen these creatures, do we know what is their alignment? If they are evil that would make a big difference to Grall and hopefully some of the other members of the group.

I underrrstand yourrr concerrrn Linahrr. Perrrhaps we should discuss this and come back to give them ourrr answerrr?

Either way Grall would later say, We arrre not assassins...but we arrre sneaking in to kill the Carrrion King Linah. We will kill otherrrs on the way as well.
This might be ourrr best chance of defeating him bypassing most of his guarrrds. I suggest we prrreparrre well forrr this battle, it sounds like it will not be easy defeating this crrreaturrre if we decide to do it. Do we have some way to make us immune or resistant to theirrr firrre?

I'd say Khalid and Zeladiel know they tend to be of evil alignment. Just a note using the message spell actually provides others with a chance to hear. You can certainly share information mid-negotiation via the spell but that will allow perception checks.

Or obviously you can withdraw which I'm going to assume you've done here.

The flamebrothers watch you warily as you discuss their proposal.

You find that the heat is making it difficult for everyone but Grall to concentrate.

Need a fort save for everyone but Grall (with funky invulnerable barbarian powers) as follows.

In severe heat (above 110° F), a character must make a Fortitude save once every 10 minutes (DC 15, +1 for each previous check) or take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage. Characters wearing heavy clothing or armor of any sort take a –4 penalty on their saves. A character with the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well (see the Survival skill in Using Skills). Characters reduced to unconsciousness begin taking lethal damage (1d4 points per each 10-minute period).

A character who takes any nonlethal damage from heat exposure now suffers from heatstroke and is fatigued. These penalties end when the character recovers from the nonlethal damage she took from the heat.

Fortitude 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 -4 for armor? Fatigued again. :P Nonlethal 1d4 ⇒ 4

"The creature said his enemy is in a hotter place than this," Nuveril reminds them. "We cannot fight there, if so. We cannot even continue to stay here."

Actually, can she try the DC 15 Survival check to get the bonus? I assume we count as stationary, standing here slowly roasting while we discuss our options. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Never mind. :P

I'm probably going to give Nuveril a re-roll, depends how many others fail.

Assume you've been taking prudent methods in the background since you entered the caves so yeah survival skill is fine. I figure the check is based on the previous interval's activities (10 minutes or so wandering around and talking) so figure the +2 is the appropriate modifer. The +4 seems more like your holing up in one place over the period.

Endure elements (which Grall has) will negate the check (at least at the current heat level) or any form of fire resistance.

Edit: See UC has endure elements communal as a 2nd level spell which would be OK as would resist fire communal as a 3rd.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Zeladiel whispers to everyone.
"We could visit this Thratnias and see what she has to say. Besides, we wouldn't be killing her without a reason, Linah. We'd be killing her to stop the Carrion King wiping out Kelmarane. And if you think the lessers have loose morals, I'm afraid the greaters are generally worse."

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Success

Fortitude Save:1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 4 = 12 (armored) - Fail
Damage:1d4 ⇒ 1, Fatigued Condition

Just need a save from Linah. So whats the group's decision on the salamander's proposal?

I'm probably going to give Nuveril a re-roll, depends how many others fail.

Making a save every 10 minutes, with +1 to the DC every time? She's still going to fail before we get to wherever we're going. Save your mystical ki power for something more useful.

Seeing many of the group faltering from the heat, Grall talks to Khalid, Even if we agrrree to this courrrse of action, we should prrreparrre ourrrselves from this extrrreme heat beforrre we trrry it. Let me know ourrr answerrr and Sajan and I can tell them we will rrreturrrn tomorrrrow to finish the task?

Fort save against the heat: 1d20 + 6 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 2 - 2 = 5 (-2 armor, -2 time), add +2 if my hot weather outfit helps). Oh, lovely
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

The intense warmth from takes its toll on Linah and the cleric anwsers with more heat (hihi) than she originally intended. "Yes Grall, we are here to destroy the Carrion King, to take the head of the snake that threatens to devour Kelmare and nearby lands. But we know nothing about this Thratnias! All we know is that this creature wants her dead because of spite. I can not go through with that."

"Taking a life because it is the easiest way is as bad as taking it with no reason at all", she continues directed at Zeladiel. "If we do not have the power to pass peacefully then we do not have the power to pass at all!"

Sounds like 3 for, 1 (strongly) against and 2 abstains.

Don't forget a channel (or any sufficient healing) will remove the fatigue.

Linah is right. Sajan states simply, a little uncomfortable weighing on on a decision and unused to seeing Khalid and Linah so opposed.

The inquisitor shakes his head in frustration, still not comfortable with the role of "leader" that has been placed on him...

"Linah, I agree with you that we are not assassins, but I am whatever Sarenrae needs me to be. If destruction of a few evil creatures is what is required of me to end the threat of the Carrion King so be it."

Regaining his composure, and a bit more of his confidence, he continues...

"Zeladiel's suggestion has merit. Would you all be willing to speak with this Thratnias before acting? Granted this would lessen any advantage that we may have, but it would certainly be the more rightous action."

Don't forget a channel (or any sufficient healing) will remove the fatigue.

Actually...

Heat deals nonlethal damage that cannot be recovered from until the character gets cooled off (reaches shade, survives until nightfall, gets doused in water, is targeted by endure elements, and so forth).

So as long as we stay where it's hot, the nonlethal damage doesn't go away, and neither does the fatigue. Not to mention, it would most likely just come back in 10 minutes.

Hmm initial thought was that paragraph refers to the damage while the one quoted above specifically refers to the "penalty" being the fatigue. Tell you what let me have another look.

A character who takes any nonlethal damage from heat exposure now suffers from heatstroke and is fatigued. These penalties end when the character recovers from the nonlethal damage she took from the heat.

...and the "nonlethal damage cannot be recovered from until the character gets cooled off." This AP really has it in for barbarians. ;)

The inquisitor shakes his head in frustration, still not comfortable with the role of "leader" that has been placed on him...

"Linah, I agree with you that we are not assassins, but I am whatever Sarenrae needs me to be. If destruction of a few evil creatures is what is required of me to end the threat of the Carrion King so be it."

"So am i but the dawnflower does not need me to be a harbinger of death! You want to take this road because it is the easiest one to follow to our goal, but convenience should never be a reason to take a life!", Linah protests. "I have known all of you for more than a year and i would lay down my life for yours, but do not ask me to put aside my faith. If you go through with this you can not count on my aid", Linah says firm in her belief.

Stupid neutral good character.....

Grall is not able to look at Linah when he next speaks,
What would you have us do then Linarrr. A dirrrect assault?

Stupid neutral good character.....

Awesome NG character. Too many miss the whole 'death by convenience' argument. Your job as a player is to entertain us. Completing the module is secondary :-)

The inquisitor shakes his head in frustration, still not comfortable with the role of "leader" that has been placed on him...

"Linah, I agree with you that we are not assassins, but I am whatever Sarenrae needs me to be. If destruction of a few evil creatures is what is required of me to end the threat of the Carrion King so be it."

Regaining his composure, and a bit more of his confidence, he continues...

"Zeladiel's suggestion has merit. Would you all be willing to speak with this Thratnias before acting? Granted this would lessen any advantage that we may have, but it would certainly be the more rightous action."

"This is a waste of time," Nuveril growls. "We speak with one snake-being, then we speak with another. One offers us something we have no idea if it can even provide to kill its enemy; perhaps the other makes us a different offer. We have no reason to place our trust in either. I have no problem killing what stands in my way, but there is no end to getting caught up in an argument not our own." She looks at Linah and nods. "We find our own way through these tunnels, or we go back. I am no mercenary. If I kill something, it is because it is my own enemy, not someone else's."

"Rasoul said that there might be a way in underneath one of the minaretes", Linah replies then looks at Nuveril in wide surprise. The halfling was the last she thought would side with her. "That is a good idea, Nuveril. We should seek out Thratnias and see if she has an offer to make."

"Rasoul said that there might be a way in underneath one of the minaretes", Linah replies then looks at Nuveril in wide surprise. The halfling was the last she thought would side with her. "That is a good idea, Nuveril. We should seek out Thratnias and see if she has an offer to make."

Why even talk to this otherrr crrreaturrre, if we don't accept the firrrst offerrr, would we be likely to accept some otherrr?

Sajan is struggling to follow the plan and conversation as it twists and turns, his slow intellect always a step behind. He thinks long and hard before answering Grall.

I think it is not for us to decide the fate of these creatures that only a few of us even seem to know about. I think these minarets offer a different solution and it would not harm us to scout them. Much of what is being said is spe... speculation.

"These concerns might have been raised earlier before we revealed ourselves to a potential enemy, which by the way is how anything co-existing with the Carrion King should be treated."

So the fiery ones claim to be their friends? Sajan asks, a little confused again.

"These concerns might have been raised earlier before we revealed ourselves to a potential enemy, which by the way is how anything co-existing with the Carrion King should be treated."

"I said kill it," Nuveril snorts under her breath. "You were the ones who wanted to talk to its friends."

Am I right in assuming Sajan still has the mephit attached to his back, listening to everything we say? If we take the climbing option, we always have the manly combat boots of spider climbing to fall back on.

Am I right in assuming Sajan still has the mephit attached to his back, listening to everything we say? If we take the climbing option, we always have the manly combat boots of spider climbing to fall back on.

Yep unless I've missed something. Its currently being quiet, apparently hoping for a peaceful solution to its predicament.

"Linah, we were ordered to go to this place and destroy the Carrion King. Is our entire mission not one of convenience, for the mere sake of saving thousands of lives? If we leave these tunnels we expose ourselves. However, I'm all in favour of seeking out Thratnias. If she will bargain to Linah's liking we may get through that way. If instead she proves hostile, then we take up Lesaar's offer."

The rotund mephit chimes (gravels?) in from Sajan's back.

So nice mans go to see Thrratnias? Andgrronakrraks sure everything work out forr the best.

Andgrronakrraks has kept his prromises as nice mans can see. You let Andgrronakrraks up now?

The salamander continue to stare at you suspiciously from the other side of the chamber. Their leader beckons to one of the warriors and they exchange a few words.

The choice is about to be made forrr us I think. They will not let us leave if they think us a thrrreat. They will also trrry to kill us if they detect weakness...we need to leave now orrr accept theirrr terrrms, we don't want to fight them with the rrrest of you weakened like this.

"Unfortunately, we seem to be at an idealogical impasse. We have little choice but to leave."

So are you going tell the salamander or just skedaddle?

"We go now to deal with Thratnias. We shall return when she is dead, or not at all."

"I think that covers most possible outcomes."

Zeladiel bows and backs towards the entrance, keeping and eye on the flamebrothers.

The salamander leader's serpentine features are inscrutable.

Ass you ssay. You will find her near the lava poolss.

I would ssuggest dealing with the mephit. It will only get in your way.

You leave, the salamanders making no move to stop you, arriving back in the first chamber. It is a little cooler here although still uncomfortable.

"Linah. Is there anything magical in here, particularly this? And can you cool us with some water?"
Zeladiel takes out the ceramic claw footed rod and attempts to identify it.

Spellcraft 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

"Sajan. Will you be releasing the our new 'friend'? While I trust none of these creatures, neither do I think they are working for the Carrion King or wish to draw his attention."

Linah looks with ill-concealed disapproval at Lesaar as the salamander talks about dealing with the mephit. Unease creeps through the cleric with every step. She tries to convince herself that she is on the right path, but no matter how hard she tries the uneasy lingers.

"Yes, of course i will", Linah anwsers and conjures water for the group to alleviate the heat. With a wave of her hand and an incantation she scans the room for signs of magic.

Linah's divination reveals that the odd item is indeed magical. The priestess detects a faint aura coming from the main part (not the chicken foot). Without being able to see the aura himself Zeladiel is unable to identify it.

Her conjuration provides some short term relief from the heat.

OK so what now?

Sajan gently lowers the mephit to the ground and unties it.

I am sorry for our caution and the insult by the harness I placed you in. We are on a dangerous mission and I hope you will not hold a grudge. Go in peace little one.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 Diplomacy (ki point spent)

I really should consider some ranks in diplomacy. Sajan seems to always roll epicly with it despite his derp charisma.

"Are we really going to see the other thing?" Nuveril demands. "The first snake-creature said it was hotter there than where we were. It and its friends didn't attack us because they hoped to gain some benefit from us; if this other is more powerful than they, it may well attack us on sight, and we cannot fight in the heat."

"Shall we be off to deal with this Thratnias in what ever way we may need to? I suppose we could delay to better prepare for any potential conflict, but time is of the essence for our mission...the longer we wait, the closer to attacking the Carrion King's armies are."

"If we are all roasted alive, no one will stop them," Nuveril snaps irritably. "I would rather die fighting my way in among the gnolls than be cooked in this crevice. What do these snake-creatures' enmities have to do with our mission?"

"If we all die fighting our way in among the gnolls, no one will stop them," Zeladiel offers. "I would rather see what we can learn from this Thratnias than die in some futile frontal assault. If these snake-creatures are not friends of the Gnolls, they may be of use to us. Besides, I have a spell that can be very persuasive."

Its hard to tell whether Sajan's apology has a mollifying affect on the mephit.

It is very quiet as it is released and promptly takes flight toward the unexplored southern passage way (the eastern supposedly takes you to the lava pool).

No, no ... grudge. Andgrronakrraks is great friend of nice mans, great, great friend.

It disappears up the passageway. Assuming noone else interferes.

So forging on or finding somewhere to camp. If the later where?

Lets find somewhere to camp until Linah can prepare endure elements for all of us except Grall.