DM Fang Dragon's Strange Aeons (Inactive)

Game Master FangDragon

Feeling her wounds close up, Zarine looks over at Zandomir and nods her gratitude, but doesn't say anything so as not to confuse the Zoogs.

Agrippa deactivates Red Destiny and replaces the hilt on his belt.

He waits for the Zoogs to respond to Zarine.

The Zoogs are skittish at first, edging closer like moths to a flame before flinching away. This carries on for a few minutes before a small and apparently fearless female approached.

Her nose whiskers twitched as she stared at you before suddenly answering Zarine's words in heavily stilted common, "Zoogs no have Pards! Only bones and tails, good eating ya? But so same-same boring after many weeks of eatings. And now there are none..." She slaps her gaunt looking belly and declares, "Me hungers! Me hungers for exotic feline!"

The other Zoogs chatter excitedly at this pronouncement.

She tries to strike a bargain, "Tree tiger yes yes? Very good eating! Oh yes! Too big though. Too big for Zoog to hunt even as tribe. You do-es it ya? Hunt us nice tasty tree tiger ya? We give Pard tale and bones, ya?"

Her belly rumbles as she looks on expectantly.

Yes, we will hunt a tree tiger and give it to you in return for the remains of a Pard, as long as the tail is intact. ... How big are these tree tigers, and where can we find one?

They ate ALL of them? So they are starving to death? Did they not think ahead this far? I think they need a powerful shaman to resurrect some of them so they can domesticate them ... herding cats, I know, but seriously. Even if we kill them one tree tiger, it can't last forever. They are going to starve to death because they hunted their food source to extinction.

Zandomir scratches his head at the situation, before pointing at the tikbalang and saying to the Zoogs, "Can that thing tide you over till we can retrieve one of these tigers? Might not taste as good, but better than nothing."

That's what it seems like Zarine, although you suspect hunger will drive them to other foods.

"Big? Oh yes much big! Very good for eatings, when dead though. Not good when alive, then they do the eatings! You over come that one." she points to the dead Tokbalang, "Verrryy good! You have no problem with Tree tiger, big kitty to you right? Yes biiig kitty. You no eats m'kay?"

The Zoog looks at Zandomir and then at the dead Tikbalang and cocks her head before yelling something incomprehensible. You hear a ruckus from further up the tree and then boggle to see a trio of Zoogs labouring to bring a comically large cooking pot (cauldron really) down from above. Others bring a collection of sticks and yet more struggle with what appears to be a collection of sooty pathing slabs. Before you know it they've set up a makeshift kitchen upon a layer of stones and are building a fire while several of them with rusty knives eye up the corpse. The Zoog you spoke to enthuses, "Much food! Maybe leave some for you as treat. Yes yes? Mmmm will add special spices just for honoured guests."

After bit you managed to extract clear directions out of them, distracted as they are with the inexpert disremembering and cooking of the Tikbalang. You gather that the Zoogs regard Tree Tigers as being quite dangerous even when mobbed and that their territory doesn't overlap. The tigers tend to hunt in an area roughly three miles to the east among the titanic boughs of the enchanted forest.

Any more questions for them?

Zandomir does his best to maintain a neutral expression as the Zoogs prepare the Tikbalang for eating. The whole thing is quite amusing to the half-elf after having just fought the horse thing at risk of their lives. Not to mention it wasn't the first time.

Once the Zoogs have a free moment, Zan asks, "What else can you tell us about these tigers? In our world, a tiger has four legs, claws, big teeth, and a tail. Since things are a bit different here, is there anything different about Dreamlands' tigers? The smallest details could be important, so please share all you know. The more information we have, the more likely we return with what you want."

Zarine is surprised to feel a strange satisfaction with the butchery of the Tikbalang. She hopes she isn't growing bloodthirsty or something, and looks away.

Also, is there a path there from up in the trees, or are we going to have to find a way down to the ground?

Lizzie, having a soft spot for animals, slightly frowns at hearing they are expected to kill a tiger.

If it is hostile, i will defend myself, but if it is passive, i don't want to needlessly slaughter a tiger. :(

The little Zoog replies earnestly "Yes Yes! Four legs, very good. Claws oh yes! Big long claws, good for rending flesh, sharp teeth, green fur, yes yes! Samba's teeth are especially big yes? You no face Samba! Smaller ones will do, hunt in packs they do!" She pats her belly and adds, "Very Tasty!"

The path as described by the Zoogs follows a number of the megalithic branches which form what in truth could be described in truth as a highway in the sky. There's no obvious way down to the floor, unless you have a lot of rope or magic.

Who is this Samba? Why does a tree tiger have a name? Are they sentient?

The little one replies "Samba be the father of the tigers! Bigger faster meaner, you not mess with Sama!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Zandomir shakes his head at Zarine and whispers to her, "Don't think they know what you mean by sentient. It's probably just their way of referring to the greatest or strongest member of the species. But this is the Dreamlands, so we'll probably only find out for sure if we come across this Samba. Hopefully we can avoid that."

I think Zan is ready to head out when everyone else is.

Listening to Zandomir, Zarine nods.

Okay, we won't mess with him. Where can we find you when we are done? Do you have a village we should go to?

She points up towards the canopy where you can see what appears to be a large birds nest nesting in between several branches. You get the impression that's her home, there are several other ones dotted around the under-canopy.

Ready to go?

As ready as could be, circumstances considered.

Ready. Although these Zoogs seem a little bloodthirsty, so we should probably be careful when we come back. I don't think they can take us if we are careful, and they might not risk it, but I wouldn't put it past them to try to eat anything, including us.

Ready. And good point, Zarine.

I'll move us forward tomorrow.

The party follow the directions given to them by the Zoog. The rather usual path, well road really proves to be easy to follow. One of the enormous branches wide enough to run a wagon along with a train of horses runs more or less due east. After about quarter of a mile, this branch rubs up against another branch from the next megalithic tree. Passage involves a short but easy climb up and then you carry on to the next intersection. Most of the light is subdued due to the distant canopy but directly ahead a shaft of sunlight shines brightly on the gigantic tree limb.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Zarine stays with Zandomir, bow ready.

I assume the plan it to proceed in the current direction? Unless somebody spots something...

Yeah, that's the plan, but hoping Zandomir's perception roll will be more successful than mine.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

Zandomir looks up at just the right time and manages to spot five semi-transparent faerie like things almost completely hidden by the light of the sun. He says a silent prayer of thanks to Desna for being able to spot them.

Gesturing for his companions to stop, Zan points up at the things, hoping someone can identify them.

It was a DC 15 Knowledge (planes) check per the GM's spoiler. I'm assuming anyone with the skill can try now that Zan's pointed out the creatures.

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Lurkers in Light Zarine whispers to the others.

Not sure how much we know about them from that... would we know abilities, how to overcome their DR, or what they are immune to or just more basic general knowledge?

Let's say you know about the DR.

Cold Iron can overcome their resistances Zarine tells the group.

Wishing that she had thought to buy some cold iron-tipped arrows, or maybe that she knew some fire magic that could burn them all at once, Zarine waits to see if the group has a plan. Otherwise, she thinks, probably best to just start shooting.

Zandomir nods at Zarine's words and, seeing her frustration, removes some arrows from his quiver and hands them to her. With a smile, he says, "Use them well and please return the ones you don't use."

Handing Zarine 15 Durable Cold Iron Arrows. I imagine Zan is down to around 30 after losing some in the river and in this forest, so he should have around 15 left himself.

Zan will also cast his holy strike blessing on his bow just before combat starts. He can do the same on anyone else's weapon, if they want him to do so.

Grinning, Zarine says

Thanks Zandomir. I will.

Momijii listened carefully as they hashed out a deal with the Zoogs. The creatures were strange and their description of the thing they had to go and hunt interesting. Truthfully she wasn't a fan of hunting but knew that it was necessary in this case. As they prepared to leave the village Momijii considered and said, "I will have no problems hurting the things then, their resistance will mean nothing to me, I can batter through that kind of resistance without trouble."

I can ignore dr/magic, silver, and cold iron as long as I have a ki point. We got healed up didn't we?

OK so any further preparations, if not I'll roll for initiative tomorrow.

I've been lazy and reused the map. Paizo did provide others for this dream but they're all equally low rez unfortunately.

As you get a little closer, you spot something odd to the wide leaf next to where the closest lurkers are. It's stained in what might be dried blood and perforated with thorns trailing bits of rope. You have a nasty feeling it’s been used to hold prisoners off and on for many months. Before you can consider this further the lurkers move into attack!

Momijii <----- WE ARE HERE

Zarine
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
Lizzie "beads" Tamar'
Lurkers in light
Zandomir

Momijii, Zarine, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and Lizzie "beads" Tamar' are up.

Please note they are invisible in areas of bright light such as this. So you'll need to make DC 20 perception checks to pin point them each round.

Perception to pinpoint: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

And if we can't, can we not attack, or do we take 50% miss chance?

Pinpointing them gives you the correct square, it doesn't do anything about the 50% miss chance. You can attack a square and guess where they are but it might not work (it also kinda stretches suspension of disbelief especially with ranged attacks).

Agrippa activates Red Destiny and stands ready

No targets yet so....

Okay. I'll just stay far back and wait until I spot them.

Lizzie's perception is awful, but 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

"Having to wait for foes to reveal themselves...ugh."

She holds her shield firmly, peering around.

Total defense.

Botting Momijii: Perception to pinpoint: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Momijii manages to spot one of the nasty little fae and sprints in before dropping to the ground and transferring her momentum into a low spinning kick. Her foot connected solidly with the fae, rocking it back.

charge/unarmed w/ds/stunfist/shatstrik/patk: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 28Miss%: 1d100 ⇒ 55Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 6 = 16 <--- HIT

Unable to pinpoint any of the lurkers, Zarine hangs back along with Heinrich and Lizzie. Most of the lurkers rush towards the party but the one Momijii attacked hangs back hoping for vengeance. It darts towards her but some second sense helped Momijii to dance aside eve though she could not see her opponent's strike.
Red: Dagger: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (5, 6, 4) = 19 <--- MISS

Momijii

Zarine
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
Lizzie "beads" Tamar'
Lurkers in light
Zandomir <----- WE ARE HERE

Zandomir, Momijii, Zarine, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and Lizzie "beads" Tamar' are up.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

Zandomir takes a step towards Zarine as he spots the lurker closest to her. Infusing his bow with lightning and taking aim, he fires off two shots at the thing. Or he tries to, at least.

I mentioned casting Zan's Holy Strike blessing prior to the fight, so I'm assuming that went off just prior to initiative.

Longbow Attack 1 (w/Durable Cold Iron Arrow): 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10 (Rapid Shot, Point-Blank)
Good Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 15

Longbow Attack 2 (w/Durable Cold Iron Arrow): 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12 (Rapid Shot, Point-Blank)
Good Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 90

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Zarine still can't see where they are, but watching Zandomir, she aims exactly where he hit something, and tries to hit the same thing with a durable cold iron arrow.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 4) + 3 = 12

Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 75

If it turns out he didn't hit anything, then please just delay this. She waits till she sees someone hit.

Hmm can you do that? I'm going to provisionally allow it for this combat while I do some research.

Oh, because I have the impatience flaw? That's a good point. I'm not sure how it would work in this situation where she can't see anything. She is impatient, but not stupid, so I can't see her wasting the precious arrows that Zandomir loaned her with no chance of hitting.

I can see her screaming in frustration, or casting a spell instead if you think that would be more likely with that weakness. Hard to say with the invisibility involved. She could maybe summon some bats if there is absolutely no one to observe hitting this round.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Momijii knew roughly where the thing was before but she still had trouble telling if it was still there. She took a chance and lashed out with a trio of blows through the area she thought it should have been in.
unarmed w/ds/patk/shatS: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 171d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 6 = 18
Miss?: 1d100 ⇒ 91
flurry: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 = 301d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 6 = 16
Miss?: 1d100 ⇒ 61
itterative: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 2 = 221d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 6 = 13
Miss?: 1d100 ⇒ 13

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Agrippa looks for telltale signs of an enemy....

If he spots one he grabs a flask of alchemists fire and hurls it at the creature, he figures the fire will make the creature easier to hit.

Alchemist Fire Toss: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 (nope)
Miss: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Zandomir's eyes spot the subtle but telltale ripple of an invisible creature. He pivots to attack sending a pair of arrows where he thought the fae was. Unfortunately it was no mean feat to hit an invisible creature even if you knew roughly where it was and hit arrows went wide.

Momijii wasn't sure where her opponent was but she decided to bet it hadn't moved. Her first strike missed but the second one was a sweeping strike which smashed hard into something!
Crit?: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 = 22Crit Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 6 = 18 <--- YES

There was a spray of transparent fluid and then the crumpled form of a little fae fell down to the wide branch with a broken plop!

Zarine scanned the area for an enemy to fight. She saw Zandomir miss and Momijii kill one. She wanted to join the fight but where to shoot? Frustrating!!!
Heinrich misses too so I guess I'd need to know what Zarine would do in this situation.

I guess Zarine does nothing, other than getting frustrated.

"Come out of hiding and face us with courage!", the little paladin shouts out in vain.

Feeling a bit under the weather, will have an early night and post an update tomorrow.

Get well, take care. :)

The flock of invisible fae surround the party and snick-snick-snick their vicious little knives stab into their unseeing victims! The blades where coated with venom one that most the of the party managed to resist, but Zarine felt it leeching her strength! 1 str drain so far.

Green vs Lizzie (flank): 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 = 30Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (4, 1, 1) = 9 <--- HIT
Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 <--- PASS

Black vs Lizzie (flank): 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 = 22Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (2, 4, 3) = 12 <--- HIT
Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 <--- PASS

Blue vs Zarine: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (6, 2, 5) = 17 <--- HIT
Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 <--- FAIL

White vs Zandomir: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (3, 5, 5) = 15 <--- HIT
Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 <--- PASS
Invisibility denying your dex Zandomir that's why it hit.

Momijii

Zarine
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
Lizzie "beads" Tamar'
Lurkers in light
Zandomir <----- WE ARE HERE

Buffs and Debuffs wrote:

Spoiler:

---- Round 2 ----

Momijii
Zarine 1 str drain (12 rounds)
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
Lizzie "beads" Tamar'
Lurkers in light
Zandomir
---- Round 3 ----
Momijii
Zarine 1 str drain (11 rounds), poison (6 rounds)
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
Lizzie "beads" Tamar'
Lurkers in light
Zandomir

Zandomir, Momijii, Zarine, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and Lizzie "beads" Tamar' are up.