There is a shush from one of the wedding crowd as the pathfinders discuss the sound, but none of the other wedding goers seem to have noticed the buzz - either due to inebriation or a focus on the wedding ceremonies.
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
After she has spend some time with Arrano, Eolowyn slides into the benches besides the others.
Perception take 10:10 + 13 = 23
As she also hears the noise she slides back out of the benches and approaches the foresters
The foresters look about at Eolowyns prompting and finally come to recognize the growing din. The begin to shout. "Viviana - halt the ceremonies! Everybody to shelter!" The warning is a tad too late the priestess suddenly stops in mid-song and gasps in pain, swatting a bee on her forearm. A low, booming buzz then erupts from the treeline behind her as thousands more bees rise into the air. The roiling mass of insects heads straight into the gathered crowd, eliciting screams of terror.
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
Great, how did I survive to lvl 7 with only 2 alchemist's flasks to battle swarms?
Eolowyn grabs one of her alchemist's flasks, steps to the side and lobs it at the nearest swarm.
Mathias moves up, analyzing the situation. He quickly holds back on the overwhelming force of a fireball as that would be too much collateral damage and instead moves in to use a simpler, more directable spell.
Move action to get into position, standard to cast burning hands as noted on the map.
Sneak attacking swarms is just... weird. Whatever.
Pathfinders are renown far and wide for their adaptability, their readiness to face any situation no matter how improbable. A vicious swarm of bees proves no different! Who brings explosive chemicals to a wedding... why Pathfinders, of course. Fully half the bees are dispersed before Viviana can finish her scream, their wings making sounds like a pinecones popping in a fire.
People leap up from the pews and flee as fasts as they can, all decency forgotten as they trample one another. Some dive into tents, others jump into the nearby creek and submerge themselves to protect their skin against the painful stings. The swarm moves... purposely, almost, whirling about tightly and rolling over Mathias.
Mathias, at the start of your turn take 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7 damage plus DC 13 fortitude or be poisoned; also DC 13 fortitude against nausea
poison:
Poison (Ex) Swarm—injury; save Fort DC 13; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1 Dexterity damage; cure 1 save. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Varian and Kylar are swamped by fleeing people, and are in difficult terrain (which also grants cover)
Party up! Mathias 7 dmg. plus poison?
Varian Eolowyn Kylar
Crowd
Swarm
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
Did Eolowyn flee with the villagers? I can't see her on the map.
Eolowyn waits until deciding whether she needs her second flask of alchemist fire.
delaying until the others have acted, if the swarm is still alive after they have acted she will lob second flask, assuming Mathias has left the swarm
Fort vs Poison:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 Fort vs Nausua:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Mathias resists the deadly effect of the stings, but spends much of his time trying to swat away the bees to function effectively. He smartly gets out of the swarm, hoping to at least drive the remaining insects into a prime targeting location.
I possibly moved Eolowyn by mistake. She is to the right of the benches right now.
Little bottles of liquid death twirl through the air as adrenaline rushes through the veins and time slows down. Alchemist fire crashes into the bees; something strange happens then. The bees pause for a second; their buzzing synchronizes, and then it suddenly sounds as though, despite all probability, the bees are speaking.
Sylvan:
We must not fail father! Kill the hurtful onezzzz! Kill the onezzz that hate father!
This time the bees swarm Varian, their thousands of stingers doing their best to impale him.
Varian, at the start of your turn take 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3 damage plus DC 13 fortitude or be poisoned; also DC 13 fortitude against nausea
fort vs poison dc 13:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 fort vs nausea dc 13:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
a little confused by the map as varian is REALLY far from the bees, or did you just move his figure away to put the bees over where he was? anyway - regardless,
Varian steps out of the area with the bees pulling out an alchemist fire as he moves and addresses the bees in Sylvan. "No one wants to hurt your 'father', but if you don't stop swarming, we will have no choice but to destroy you, which would be a shame... back off please... don't force our hand."
diplomacy:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
He stands ready... if the bees move for him again, he will throw the alchemist fire.
range touch to hit:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 dmg if hits:1d6 ⇒ 3+50%
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
Are these bees tiny? Or smaller
"Varian, can you communicate with them? Do you want me to start shooting them?"
Eolowyn's hand flies to her quiver and she removes a greenish longbow from it. Amazingly enough some leaves seem to grow out of the bow!
Ready if they are tiny to shoot on an affirmative answer from Varian
I blame gremlins for everyone's tokens being moved around. Yep, totally gremlins. Halloween and all
The bees continue to swarm around the aasimar - the din of combat overpowering any hope for diplomacy, if these creatures know the meaning of diplomacy.
The creatures are diminutive and immune to weapon damage. However, being bees they are vulnerable to everything bees might be vulnerable to.
Sylven:
"No! Father and the Queen have been hurt! The swarm will protect"
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
Then ignore my previous post
"Varian, can you communicate with them? Tell them we do not mean them harm, but we won't allow them to hurt people"
Eolowyn starts helping people to move out of the area
"Good people, go home and shut your doors and windows!"
Kylar's glass bottle bounces gaily over the ground, small tinkling noises as it bounces against rocks until it finally burst and explodes.
Mathias' and Vairan's volatile concoctions, however, are quite accurate and the air is filled with small popping noises.
Eolowyn's exhortations are almost unnecessary - the crowd already seems to be fleeing to whatever cover they might find. Some are diving into water and holding their breath, while the priestess Viviana has already locked herself and a few luck parishioners in the nearby chapel of Shelyn.
Nearby, Elyin seems to have stopped his flight and is seen hunched over something. It quickly becomes apparent that he is lighting some of the wedding torches! Lit torches in hand, he bravely makes his way back towards the Pathfinders.
He's the figure closest to Eolowyn and Varian, if anyone wishes to grab a torch. I'll call these particular torches simple weapons doing a 1d4 fire.
The swarm, meanwhile, continues to hound Varian, crawling over his body and stinging everywhere.2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7 plus DC 13 vs. poison plus DC 13 vs. nausea
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
"Good thinking Elyin! Let me have one of those!" Eolowyn moves over to Elyin and grabs a torch. She is ready for attacking the swarm if it closes in on her.
Male Nagaji (6.0A) Sorc 4/ Ninja 3 | HP 47/47; AC 19;TCH 14; FF 15; F +6; R +10; W+5; CMB +3; CMD 17; INIT +10;
Consumables:
Spells: 1st 8/8 2nd 0/4 ; Acidic Ray 3/8; Ki 0/8 | Wands: CLW 42/50; MM 43/50; Mage Armor 45/50; Shield 48/50; Less Rest 50/50 | Rods: Less Pierce 3/3
I am out of options unfortunately. :(
Kylar attempts to draw the bees away from everyone to himself as he waves his arms about wildly. He rushes to the edge of the mass and starts swatting to try and aggravate the swarm.
Bees swarm around the torch, largely ignoring Eolowyn's efforts - but the combined distraction from her and Kylar means that Varian is easily able to land his container of fire squarely in the the center of the swarm. A buzz-scream issues from the hive mind.
mathias' ongoing fire damage:1d6 ⇒ 1plus 50 percent
With keen eye and steady hand, Mathias lands a flask of acid into the heart of the remaining swarm. Although the noxious chemical does not obliterate the mass of bees completely, a distinct change comes over the roiling mass. The movements of the insects lose the unnatural purpose and strange unity they possessed before, and instead begin to move haphazardly, many flying off into the sun or landing on nearby flowers.
A few seconds of muted buzzing past before a shriek goes up, followed by a booming voice.
“Fools! You shall rue the day you shunned my pallid condition and laughed at my losses! Know your doom has come! When Queen Rhoswen arrives, all will perish—you will choke upon her mist, die by her thorns, and fall before her armies! May you forever suffer the curses of the Fellnight fey! Tenzekil shall have his revenge on you all!”
DC 10 will:
You are most certain that was some sort of glamer, probably something like a ghost sound
Half a second after the proclamation finishes echoing through the air, a wall made of thick thorns springs up around the Pathfinders and Elyin, cutting off escape or aid!
Despite their entrapment, there seems to be a passing moment of calm in the storm of battle for the Pathfinders - nothing seems to be harassing them yet...
You seem to have a few rounds (say 3) to catch your breathe.
Also, it was pointed out to me that swarms are immune to crits, lacking kidneys (well, that and the swarm subtype). Oops. Anyways, moving on.
Male Nagaji (6.0A) Sorc 4/ Ninja 3 | HP 47/47; AC 19;TCH 14; FF 15; F +6; R +10; W+5; CMB +3; CMD 17; INIT +10;
Consumables:
Spells: 1st 8/8 2nd 0/4 ; Acidic Ray 3/8; Ki 0/8 | Wands: CLW 42/50; MM 43/50; Mage Armor 45/50; Shield 48/50; Less Rest 50/50 | Rods: Less Pierce 3/3
immune to crits except during the surprise round
Can sssomeone cut ussss a way out?
Kylar arches his hands back, similar to a spider-like vigilante in Absalom, causing two wands to spring forth to his hands as he places protective magic upon himself.
Placing the wand of Mage armor away he hears it click back into the sheath. Kylar quickly draws forth a potion from his pouch and waits to drink it until he sees if something else is approaching.
Round 1- Use Wand of Mage Armor- bringing AC to 19
Round 2- Use wand of Shield- Bringing AC to 23
Round 3- Draw Potion of Gaseous Form and delay drinking it
The ringing of blood in the ears from the combat is just beginning to fade away when three shapes melt out of the brambles - the creatures look like white haired, grey skinned gnomes, but their bodies are shot through with thorny vines. Two are enormous, towering above the heroes, while the third barely reaches Kylar's knee.
local 13:
They look like spriggans, twisted lost gnomes able to change their size from small to large and summon magic to frighten the weak minded. However, the vines through their bodies are like nothing you've ever seen - these spriggans have been further twisted.
nature 14:
These creatures, whatever they were originally, have been twisted into plant creatures.
Any other details I can get from those rolls GM for monster weakness/abilities, etc. ?
"Such strange spriggans. You will make an admirable foe for my arcane might. But first, to behoove my less magically-apt allies.", the Hellknight casting a spell that quickens the party's speed.
Haste on the entire party. +1 to hit, AC, CMD, and Reflex saves. +30 ft to base movement speed and of course, the extra attack when full attacking. 6 rounds
Varian adroitly casts while Mathias grants his fellow Pathfinders speed and grace, as well as insight.
Mathias Kelythis wrote:
Any other details I can get from those rolls GM for monster weakness/abilities, etc.
Mathias surmises that fire is anathema to these strange spriggans; like most plant creatures, they are immune to many things that affect mammals (poison, mind magic, etc.); they seem to be able to manipulate the thorns piercing their bodies, as either whips or darts, although they seem quite able to simply use their fists and bodies as weapons too. The thorns look like they could catch you and help the spriggans grab onto you.
Eolowyn is up! (I know you're still recovering from vacation; I'm patient :) Post when you can
Eolowyn
Kylar
Varian
Mathias
S1 (enlarged)
S2 (embiggened)
S3 (teensy)
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
Eolowyn steps back and rapidly fires three shots at the nearest giant
Point blank shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot
Elves are known for their great skill with the bow - and Eolowyn only does her race proud; a flight of arrows peppers a spriggan before it can move.
The larger of the remaining twisted fey-cum-plants move to strike with its thorny body, flailing thorns at Varian. Although it only lands a single blow, the creature snatches the warrior off his feet and ensnares him in a thorny hold. Varian 6 dmg, grappled
The smaller laughs evilly as it works dark magic, focusing a spell on Kylar and Mathias. DC 12 will or suffer the effects of the scare for 4 rounds. Mind effecting fear effect
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
Eolowyn adjusts her aim and shoots several arrows in rapid succession at the spellcaster.
Point blank shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Haste, Rapid Shot, Cold Iron arrows, Spellcaster has +4 cover bonus to AC
Before I do it: Varian, are you ok with getting in Fireball radius? Pretty sure I can cripple, if not slay outright both of these plant based critters with an empowered Fireball (6d6 + 50%); it shouldn't kill you and I can heal your wounds for you, but don't want to do it if you'd rather not risk it.
Mathias calculates the odds and figures that Varian should be able to handle his arcane destruction. His Hellknight mask, infused with magics from ancient Thassilon, glows red as Mathias casts a spell. "A fire enhanced by a monstrous civilization to defeat enhanced monsters... how appropriate!", a red bead shooting out to the thorn wall, exploding in a searing heat that envelops both of the spriggans as well as Varian.
Using my acrimony veil/Hellknight mask to empower the Fireball. Can do that twice more per day
Empowered Fireball (DC 19 Reflex for half):6d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 5, 2, 4, 1) = 18+50% from Empower
Male Nagaji (6.0A) Sorc 4/ Ninja 3 | HP 47/47; AC 19;TCH 14; FF 15; F +6; R +10; W+5; CMB +3; CMD 17; INIT +10;
Consumables:
Spells: 1st 8/8 2nd 0/4 ; Acidic Ray 3/8; Ki 0/8 | Wands: CLW 42/50; MM 43/50; Mage Armor 45/50; Shield 48/50; Less Rest 50/50 | Rods: Less Pierce 3/3
Stepping back into the pew Kylar balls his clawed hand into a tight fist as he pours concentrated magic into it. Holding his hand palm out towards the tiny stack of brambles Kylar releases the small balls of concentrated arcane energies that fly across the open field, dodging around each chair to slam into the creature.
The smaller of the plant-spriggan falls from the hail of arrows even before the fireball consumes it's spongy form. The other is quickly cut down by a combination of magical fire and force - an obvious testament to the might of Pathfinder agent provoked.
The people emerge from their hiding spots, fetching axes and scythes to help cut their rescuers out of the enveloping wall of thorns. However, in the midst of this arduous activity something strange occurs.
“Look!” a wedding guest exclaims, pointing toward town. From the forest an unnatural mist seeps forth, slowly enveloping Bellis and the grove within an eerie, silent wall, cloaking the stunned crowd and obscuring everything beyond twenty feet.
As Elyin and the heroes work to free themselves, the half elf talks, the sound swallowed quickly by the enveloping mist.
“Thank the gods you were here to help us. Tenzekil Braybittle has always had an unpredictable nature about him, but none of us saw this coming. The council has asked for your help investigating this mist and the threats he made. The people are frightened, and I fear for their safety. Will you help us stop whatever he’s planned?”
He continues. “There is a druid named Devarre who might know something about whats going on. He lives somewhere west of town—he makes his home in the woods, but no one knows exactly where. He usually finds travelers before they find him. The fey of the forest - there are quite a lot of them - might know something too, or at least tell you how to find Devarre. If you find Devarre, I can focus on mounting a defense with the Foresthaws - the rangers - in case a more substantial force of these plant-people shows up.”
hp 68/76 Ac 24 T 15 FF 19 (incl +3 from Barkskin)| Init +9 (+4 in forest / +2 underground) | F+10 R+15 W+6 (+2 vs enchantments +3 vs evil outsiders, evasion)| Perception +16 (+4 in forest, +2 underground, +2 vs humans&undead, +6 vs evil outsiders) | Reroll 1/1
"I don't like that mist." Eolowyn comments before she starts helping Elyin in removing the thorns.
"We will enter the forest and find this Devarre. This is no way to have a wedding. I hope we can have a proper party once we have dealt with Tenzekil"
Once they are out of the thorns Eolowyn finds Arrano and asks him to fly up. She concentrates and looks through the roc's eyes, wanting to find out how far the mist spread and if it goes up as well.
