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
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
Kylar once again vanishes into the foliage of the trees, leaving the bee and gnomes sight as he rushes behind them. Skidding his feet into the ground he spins around crouching down onto the ground on all fours as he opens his mouth and lets loose a stream of acid at the gnome.
Only a single of Eolowyn's arrows lands, but Kylar's spittle lands directly on the gnomes face, momentarily blinding him. Tenzekil stumbles for a moment, clearly nearing the limits of his endurance.
The gnome holds his hands up, and he whistles to call off his the enormous bee.
"Wait, please! Have mercy! She told me to lead her army, I never wanted to rule the forest." He looks desperately at Pathfinders. "Please don't hurt me and my my friends any more" he pleads, gesturing at the bee.
Strictly speaking, Mathias is up if you don't wish to parley
"Disperse your lightning and ground your bee, then we shall talk. And remember, lying to a Hellknight is often punishable by death.", Mathias reminding the crazed gnome to truly surrender.
The gnome sits down on the ground with a defeated thump.
"In her tower, where else. Holed up there using her mirror to spy on everyone; probably watching us right now." He looks about at the air, but nobody spies any particular sign of magical surveillance. He looks up, tears in his eyes. "What are you going to do to me?" he cautiously asks.
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
"We won't hurt you, but we need to be sure you won't try to hurt us either" Eolowyn looks to Mathias and Varian for guidance, not knowing what will help the gnome to shake of the enchantment.
"Well, if she has you under a geas type compulsion, perhaps with her defeat, we can release you from it. That is the best outcome I think we can hope for... if that doesn't happen, perhaps the Society can free you from it, once we are done dealing with her."
"You are more merciful than I; justice should be meted out, but we do have more pressing concerns."
Looking at Varian, the Hellknight asks, "Bind and gag him, please.", continuing after he turns to the gnome again. "We shall return to determine your final fate after the defeat of your Queen."
I can Infernal Heal anyone that needs it for 10 HP of fiendish goodness :)
The gnome looks hopeful at Varian's words, but then cringes at Mathias' words.
"Please, have mercy. Please, I never met to hurt anyone like this..." He grows guiet in his defeat and misery, the whiteness of his already unhealthy pallor growing.
It sounds like you've come to a decision regarding Tenzekil. At any rate, you can strip him of the following:
goodberries (8), pearl of power (1st), potion of cure moderate wounds, scrolls of antiplant shell and neutralize poison;
+1 small leather armor, +1 small light wooden shield, small masterwork club, sling and 20 bullets, handy haversack, granite and diamond dust worth 250 gp, 162 gp
A few more hours travel to the center of this world brings the thorny tower at the center more sharply into view. The forest sounds fade as the undergrowth parts, revealing a massive, thorn-wrapped palace rooted upon the valley floor. Intimidating spikes cover its walls, projecting outward with deadly intent. Three separate towers rise from the tangle,
reaching toward a dark canopy of trees as tall as any mountain.
For all its size, there appears to be no guard poster outside its front gates. It seems most of the usual defenders are elsewhere, waging Queen Rhoswen's war on a different plane.
A link to Rhoswen's palace added at the top. The place is some 4 stories, and the linked map provides a reasonable estimate for tis size (1 square = 5').
Kylar boldly strides into the castle courtyard, taking the role of the brave hero bringing the justice of the forest to this evil place.
Unfortunately, nobody notices four of the bushes decorating the grounds
slowly turning their heads to track the Pathfinders as they enter the castle, tracking the heroes with soulless eyes. It is too late to react when they fly down from their perches and begin clawing at the Pathfinders! One of the pieces of animated gargoyles rakes a claw across Mathias, while another lands a particularly painful slice across Eolowyn's arms.
Eolowyn: Crit for 13
Mathias: 6 dmg
Eolowyn, Kylar, and Mathias are up!
Eolowyn
Kylar
Mathias
Gargoyles
Varian
nature DC 14:
These are essentially gargoyles, stealthy creatures with claws, horns and nasty teeth. They are resistant to nonmagical weapons
None of their saves are particularly strong - but otherwise, no special defenses/immunities. With a name like topiary gargoyles, one thinks they would be plants, but the module does not call them out as such.
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
Mathias Kelythis wrote:
As the only non-spontaneous caster, thing I'll claim the pearl of power :)
Heh! I am a non-spontaneous caster....
"Ouch!"
Eolowyn gently puts her boots into the flanks of Arrano, forcing him up. When they are at 30 foot in the air she fires three arrows to the gargoyle near Mathias
Ahh, was thinking you were a hunter, not a ranger for some reason. If you want it, then I'll share :)
The Hellknight steps back, pulling out a scroll and reading its contents.
Glitterdust at the two gargoyles under the template. DC 13 Will or blinded; blinded gargoyles can try make a new save at the end of each round to become unblinded.
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
A gargoyle swipes at the roc as it rises into the air, but misses. All three arrows stick into the body of the strange topiary gargoyle, but it still stands, weakened but vicious still.
Two of the gargoyles flail around uselessly, blinded by Mathias' magic, while Kylar seizes the moment to spit acid in the blinded creatures face.
The gargoyles, blind or no, charge ahead and strike out with their many, pointed natural weapons. The seem to focus on Kylar, one sighted gargoyle and one blind gargoyle both lashing out in a flurry of strikes, and landing a few. Kylar 14 dmg.
Another creature attacks Varian, but blinded as it is it only strikes a single time given its blindness. 3 dmg.
The last creature flies up to attack Eolowyn, but only misses.
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 steers Arrano away from the flying gargoyle and fires three arrows at the gargoyle to the west of Kylar.
Little puffs of leaves fly in a flurry as one of the gargoyles explodes under the withering hail of fire. The others continue their silent assault upon the Pathfinders.
The Pathfinders continue their impromptu defense against the castles hidden defenses. The creature closest to Kylar and Eolowyn seems gravely wouned, but persists with a unnatural determination in its assault.
The creature attacking Varian seems to have regained some measure of sight, but the aasimar's luck holds and the creature only lands a single claw. 5 damage
Kylar is attacked by the remaining gargoyle on the ground - still flailing blindly - but manages to evade every blow.
The flying creature hovers quite adroitly as it rakes and snaps at Eolowyn. Despite her nimbleness, it tears a small bit of flesh from the elf with a bite. Assuming you ride for cover +4 AC, still hits. 3 damage
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
Again Arrano flies away from the gargoyle withdraw while Eolowyn switches targets and now fires at the flying gargoyle.
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
Kylar steps back lowering his clawed hands to his hip. Small balls of energy begin to pool. Quickly jerking his arms forward two small balls of force energy leap from his open palms at the NE gargoyle.
Mathias' fire and acid, in combination with Kylars magic missile, fell the blind gargoyle, leaving on only two creatures remaining. Eolowyn's is distracted by the closeness of foe, and only a single of her arrows finds purchase.
One of the gargoyles gives chase to the flying roc, while the last creature on the ground continues to harry Varian, swiping at the aasimar and drawing a thing line of blood across the his chest. 3 pts
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 and Arrano do the same exercise again, Arrano flies away while Eolowyn fires her arrows.
Mathias points to the least wounded gargoyle gargoyle 3, chanting some words before the creature's skin begins to erupt in painful boils and mishapen flesh.
Casting fleshcurdle, to reduce the gargoyle's natural armor by 4 for 6 rounds unless it makes a DC 17 Fort save
Varian's swing bounces off the tough hide of the creature he faces.
Eolowyn, regaining her composure, lands three arrows in a tight spread into the chest of the gargoyle assaulting her - the unconscious creature plummets to the ground, killing it.
Seeing the northwest foe slain, the nagaji spins around to attack the gargoyle opposite Varian adjacent gargoyle instead. The stream of acid from Kylar etches away at the flowers and gnarled branches of the topiary gargoyle.
The remaining creature pauses in its attacks upon Varian and turns its attention Mathias and Kylar. It seems to shake off the wizard's spell and responds by immediately gliding to the Signifier and swiping at him with his claws. The wicked talons manage to slip beneath the wizard's chain shirt and tear at him painfully in the belly. This hits Mathias with a crit (12 pts.)
Party up!
Eolowyn 16
Kylar 14
Mathias 18
Gargoyles, 1: Dead: 2: Dead, 3: Dead , 4: 31
Varian 11
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 Kylar pulls out a wand from his belt and fires. Leveling it at the gargoyle he releases the magic within as a bolt of force slams into the gargoyle.
With Varian's mighty blade landing solidly upon the gargoyle, the last of the hidden defenders is laid low.
The battle has not gone without notice, however. The sounds seem to drawn attention; shouts can be heard from the castles parapets. Without stealth, it seems that speed may now be the best option.
Which way? First one to answer chooses :) Note up is an option too, if you want to climb/fly
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 quickly pulls out her wand and heals both her faithful animal companion and herself. Meanwhile she directs Arrano down. The elf jumps from the saddle while putting her wand back in the wrist sheath and opens the left door, bow at the ready.
The stench of mange and molted fur emanates from this dim chamber. Exits lie to the north and east, while riding tack hangs from several columns supporting an eight-foot-high ceiling. In the shadows, animals growl.
They appear to be unusually large wolves, but with evil, almost intelligent light shining in their deep red eyes.
arcana DC 12:
These creatures are worgs, intelligent and malicious creatures that share all of the features of wolves, but with a malicious bloodlust in place of natural hungers.
You can heal up as you will (up to the ~four rounds that Eolowyn spent), but these creatures will attack immediately. If you have anything you want to do before opening a door in the future, listen, peek in, etc, let me know. If you have spells running from the previous combat (rds./lvl), they're still up
[b]Eolowyn and Kylar are up!
Eolowyn
Kylar
Worgs
Mathias
Varian
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 shoots 3 blunt arrows, starting with the lone beast in the center of the room.
The wounds inflicted against the beast near the door are severe, but not quite enough to bring down the bleeding beast. It turns its tail and beats a hasty retreat.
Arrano misses his strike and is quickly surrounded by the remainder of the growling beasts, who nip and bite at the roc. None of them, however, have near the skill necessary to land a bite on the nimble and tough creature.
Party is up!
Eolowyn
Kylar
Worgs 1: 24
Mathias
Varian
