Round 2
Corbius seeing the beast not even slowed by the magical pit grits his teeth against the fear in his stomach and again tries to drive home the electrically charged weapon into the creature.
Hit or Miss?
Aedalis marred the western beast's ability to savage Anton or anyone else.
Order of Combat Round 2:
Balani 22 *gone
Nim 21 *gone
Aedalis 20 *gone
Corbrius 19 *gone
Anton 18 *gone
Kragnir 13 *gone
Tragershen 12 *gone
Chemosits 11 *gone
Mihai 9
Anton drops his bow, grabs his hammer and steps back 5' gets angry and attacks:
Tragershen sees his opportutnity to empower the group and casts Haste on Kragnir, Nim, Anton, and Corbrius.
The Chemosits attack, the one by Anton bleeding heavily takes one bite at Anton then swipes at Kragnir.
Anton is hit by a mighty bite, laying him low, you are not sure if he yet lives...Corbrius avoids the gaping maw of the beast but is slashed by both claws but luckily is not caught in its clutches...
Mihai to finish the turn...
Tragershen sees his opportutnity to empower the group and casts Haste on Kragnir, Nim, Anton, and Corbrius.
Thanks!
Kragnir, Nim and Corbrius Haste benefits: +1 to attack rolls, +1 dodge bonus to AC and reflex saves, all movement rates increased by up to 30' (max double), with full attack make an extra attack at full BAB.
Balani, unsure exactly what is going on with the other Chemosit, but hearing lots of yelling, recovers her wits and focuses, managing to snap off two arrows at her target.
Her second arrow manages to find its mark. The Chemosit is getting a little two close for her liking so she backs a few steps further away. Hopefully the others have the other one well in hand
Per discussion, Corbrius was hit by the Rend and and is dropped after taking an additional 15 points.
You are beginning to understand why the villagers could do little to defend themselves against these powerful creatures...
Holding firm where he is Mihai succumbs to the will of the Walker, unwilling to flee when others are in danger and accepting what may come. A burst of healing energy flows forth from him to bathe his companions...
Nimosaur moves on the Chemosit that killed Wic and attempts to avenge his faithful companion with teeth and talons...
...ripping chunks of flesh from the ape-bear and spilling its entrails into the dirt in a spray of blood and gore.
Tragershen casts a defensive spell (Mirror Image) before drawing his rapier in case the melee gets closer than he cares for.
Images
Mihai's Healing saves Corbrius and Anton from certain doom...
Balani strikes the Chemsit with an arrow.
The Nimosaur leaps onto the Chemsit and savages it beyond belief actually tearing one of the beast arms from its body during the fray.
Order of Combat Round 3:
Balani 22 *gone
Nim 21 *gone
Aedalis 20
Corbrius 19 unconscious still
Anton 18 *prone now conscious
Kragnir 13
Tragershen 12 *gone
Chemosit 11
Mihai 9
Bloody Druids... Kragnir muttered. Hes lucky I softened him up... he said bitterly as he moved to engage the remaining beast- breaking ribcages and bone aline with a heavy swing.
Kragnir gets the chemosits attention by breaking its ribs...it lashes out at the sturdy Dwarf, trying to tear him to pieces with a roar.
The Chemosit lands two solid hits on Kragnir, punishing him back for as much damage as he dealt. Luckily for Kragnir it is not able to latch on with both claws though.
Anton stands, grabbing his bow as he does and fires a shot.
Balani sees some of the others start to attack the beast and realizes the other must be in hand. She smiles briefly at the ferocity of her dwarven ally, but is taken aback by the return attack of the Chemosit. hopefully this one will be taken down quickly as poor Kragnir can't take too many hits like that! She quickly sanps off another two arrows in aid of her companion.
Both arrows slam into their target.
Corbrius lays there, pretending to be dead...
The Chemosit ravages Kragnir, Mihai is up again to end Round 3.
With pain still shared by all his companions and more than one of them bloodied, Mihai repeated his wave of healing energy...
Order of Combat Round 4:
Balani 22 *gone
Nim 21
Aedalis 20
Corbrius 19 prone
Anton 18
Kragnir 13
Tragershen 12
Chemosit 11
Mihai 9
Nimosaur turns his attention to the remaining beast, but delays long enough for Aedalis to work another hex upon the dangerous creature.
Relieved that one of the beasts has been felled, Tragershen targets the other with a minor spell, hoping to help finish it as well. Three darts of force streak toward it, impacting with a small flash.
Magic Missile, Damage
Nim, his already quick form enhanced with supernatural speed, races behind the tent, past Tragershen and around the pit to take up a flanking position opposite Kragnir.
Kragnir spat blood from his gashed face at the Chemosit and continued to beat it down with his hammer.
The mighty hammer shatters the leg of the Chemosit...it staggers and bows over giving Kragnir the opening for the killing blow. The resulting blow to the skull is a dead crack...and ends in silence.
After waiting a few minutes to see if any more beasts spring from the jungle, Nim transforms back into his human form. He walks a short distance into the surrounding jungle and gathers some large leaves and other plant materials. He then returns to the center of the village, approaching the still form of his faithful companion. Kneeling down, Nim sets the gathered items down, draws his knife and begins chanting over Wicewakan's mortal remains. As he sings the praises of his brave warrior companion, Nim cuts into the flesh of the wolf's abdomen and reaches in and up and removes his heart. Still chanting, Nim wraps the heart in the leaves and other materials while drawing symbols upon the package with charcoal and ash taken from the fire.
He then rises and gathers additional wood to stoke the fire, making a crude funeral pyre, before lifting Wicewakan's remains and placing them atop the fire. Nim picks up the package and holds it out to the fire as he watches intently, continuing to chant as the fire consumes the wolf's body. The fire seems to blaze especially fiercely. Supernaturally even. As the remains are reduced to ash more quickly than one would expect, some of you notice a small smoky tendril leave the fire and enter the package.
Moments later, Nim places the package in his satchel bag and turns away from the fire. Still chanting, but more softly now, Nim moves off to sit cross-legged on the edge of the village and stare at the moon...
The village Shamen pushes open the door to her hut and walks over and pokes the beasts, laying dead in the dirt. She looks up at you as Nim holds Wic's dead body.
You have done us a great service and saved our village...what is left of it. We thank you and give you what we can. We have nothing in the way of money, it has always meaned little to us, but we do have something.
First, your friend sacrificed his life for us, so I gift you this.
She hands you a shriveled monkey head with a strong leather throng around it.
This charm will amplify the power of you animal spirit. It will bring to you a powerful shell for your spirit to inhabit. Put it around the neck of your animal spirit, you will see...most useful.
Second, many years ago our chief encountered a group of dead travelers in the jungle. They had been killed by some savage beast or another. They had a few trinkets which we took and traded but they also had a map. I believe you would call it a treasure map. We have little use for what it may contain. It is located near Kalabuto, which I believe you are heading towards. Perhaps you will find what it contains useful...who knows.
This powerful magic item is highly sought after by Druids and Rangers who have Animal Companions. It is created by a rare ritual and occurance with a Druid.
When an Old and Powerful Druid loses his animal companion and decides to give up his link to his Animal Companion he can perform a secret ritual to place a small part of the essence of that powerful Animal Companion into a charm that can be used by another Animal Companion.
Effect: when worn by a Druids Animal Companion the Druid is considered one level higher for purposes of the powers and bonuses of that Animal Compnaion.
That next morning you get some suprising news from Anton.
The battle and what has happened in this village has brought me to a decision. This village needs a protector. Most of their warriors are dead as well as their Chief.
I have decided to stay on to protect them. I know this is sudden but their lives are more important to me than...the place we seek. I will be sorry to see all of you move on but in my heart I think this is something I must do.
Maybe the two new people can help you? ghe says chewing his lip, you can tell he feels like he is letting you all down.
Nim nods in thanks but says little when the charm is offered.
In the morning...
Nim looks at the halfling and replies, If this is what calls you. It is a noble act. We will miss you but we understand. Stay safe and may you find what you seek.
Nim gives the others time to say their peace as well before indicating that they should get moving. They are still in a race after all.
Nim looks at Balani and Kragnir. We are headed to Kalabuto and parts beyond if you wish to accompany us for a while.
As the party resumes its trek, Nim strikes up a conversation with the newest members. Have you heard of the lost city of Saventh-Yhi?
Tragershen intended to help clean up after the battle; he truly did. But he told himself he'd just sit in the hut for a minute before he went back out to help.
Waking in the morning, he sighs at having fallen asleep. He draws his spellbook out of his pack to study before coming out for the day.
When Anton announces his intent, Tragershen smiles warmly. "You will make a fine protector, and no doubt train a next generation of cagey hunters. It is truly a noble endeavour."
Balani asks to look over the items recovered from the dead travellers and asks the Shaman a few questions about them and any others they may have encountered over the years.
I am looking for what happened to a village that existed some 7 days travel from here. It is now abandoned but I have no idea when it happened. In your time here have you heard any rumours of it or seen any refugees?
Balani, knowing Kragnir cares not where he is as long as there is a head to smash and ale to quench his mighty thirst, decides that without any new leads one direction is just as good as any other. She addresses Nim and assents to joining their group.
Perhaps my skills can help ease your passage through the jungle, of Kragnir's you have already had an impressive demonstration.
With almost no preparation Balani is ready to move on.
The Shamen responds to Balani, Refugees often find themselves in Kalabuto. It is a little further east than your village but they must have heard something from them if they had some type of tragedy. I would start there.
Nim nods at Balani. We are losing one of our scouts. You would fill the vacancy quite well it would seem. And Kragnir's formidable hammer strikes are a welcome addition as well!
Shall we depart then?
Thank you for your information and hospitality. Balani tells the woman while placing her fist to her chest and bowing slightly. Acknowledging Nim's statement, that they are not without a scout at all, with a deferential nod of her head she responds, I am ready.
Mihai smirks slightly as he adds to the old woman "You know much of the outside world for one so insular... perhaps Anton will assist in widening your horizons further."
Doubtful, but I will be grateful for his help anyways. Good luck to you on your journey.
You gather from a few other women in the village that she is a bitter old hag and if not for her magic she probably would have been run off long ago...
Aedalis was especially distant that evening. During the night, each member of the group found that their small spell tattoo he had given each of them had faded away, as though it never existed. In place of Aedalis the next morning, was a note left where his tent had been pitched; a page torn from Aedalis' precious journal and used to leave a message.
My fellow castaways; I hope that my sudden departure will not be perceived as betrayal and I hope you do not judge me too harshly. In truth; I never took to the castaway life like the rest of you did. I finally had a taste for comforts, power and wealth in Eleder and I find myself less and less inclined to risk my neck on an expedition, especially now that we are not even affiliated with the Pathfinders- to whom I had always aspired to become part of. I plan to take up a cushy job with them in Eleder; out of respect for our former association I will have nothing to do with any activities that the Pathfinders might have planned, nor will I supply them with any relevant information about our group or travels. I consider it highly unlikely that they do not already have an expedition following your own; for Tazion is quite a prize, likely as it is to get you all killed...
With fond memories, prayers and wishes for good luck;
Aedalis Omathi
Nim looks at Balani and Kragnir. We are headed to Kalabuto and parts beyond if you wish to accompany us for a while.
The muscular Dwarf shrugged.
If Balani is game, I am. I'm honor bound to protect her for a spell. I don't come cheap though. Don't be trying to cheat Kragnir out of his share and we'll all get along nicely eh...
As the party resumes its trek, Nim strikes up a conversation with the newest members. Have you heard of the lost city of Saventh-Yhi?
Nope. Sounds fancy. I'm not paid for the fancy stuff really, friend. You've already had a front row seat to my only talents.
As the contents of Aedalis' note are read to the remaining members, Nim nods his head. He never did seem comfortable in the wilds. I'm sure he will be much happier in Eleder. I wish him well on his journey and that his dream of joining the Pathfinders is realized some day soon.
Nim looks at Kragnir. Nobody here would think of it, before pausing for effect and continuing, but since you feel it necessary to voice your concern on the matter, let me return the sentiment to you. Nim bares his teeth a wolfish grin.
As for your abilities... it is obvious you are a hammer. And I'm sure that all problems you see... are nails, Nim says winking at the dwarf. Let's see if we can find a few more for you to pound before we part ways yes?
Kragnir chuckled at Nim's comparison, and grinned darkly.
The beauty of being a hammer is there is always an abundance of nails to hit. Balani is looking for her refugees and I said i'd keep her safe. Place like Sargava... always trouble. Trouble usually pays well though.
With the loss of Aedalis and Anton the company moves out of the Village of Iri-Buatu (You got the name before you left) and back out onto a trade trail between Eleder and Kalabuto that you intersected with from the mine.
The group is oddly hopeful, even though you lost two members. Balani and Kragnir have a fresh attitude about them and in general seem easy going.
The Savanna stretches to the horizon along the path you are following and you encounter several merchants coming the opposite way. They warn you that several days ahead is a dangerous area that has been overrun by Ankhegs and that they lost several guards making their way through.
The next two days go without incident, Seargent Destruvian informs you of a lion that tried to sneak into camp and take an animal but they were able to fend it off with fire and it eventually left. It did wake you up but luckiy they were able to handle it as you came out.
A collection of snaking mounds about three feet high spreads across the savanna like an alien land formation. Some twist and wind for several hundred yards, while others sink back into the soil after only a few yards.
Any preparations before entering the Ankheg minefield?
You study the treasure map as you travel. It appears that the map notes the location of a sunken ship in the Lake of Vanishing Armies that contains a chest full of gold ingots.
Balani seems most comfortable flitting through the jungle. Although she doesn't engage in any banter, she seems more than happy to listen to everything the others are saying and does ask some subtle questions about the mission of the party she and Kragnir just joined as well as the motivations of the rest of the party. She lets the others know she is searching for information regarding the fate of a certain village, but volunteers no personal information. If asked she answers vaguely.
When we approach the area with the ankheg signs, Tragershen will cast Mage Armor on himself.
Knowing that ankhegs are rumored to be ahead, does Tragershen have any useful knowledge about them he can share with his peers? Knowledge (arcana)
During the two day walk, Tragershen will find a moment to discreetly ask Mihai what he thinks of the two new travelling companions. Assuming he has a positive impression of them, Tragershen will offer to share some details of the core group's history and mission. With the time we have, he could likely fill them in on any details they are interested in. He won't go so far as to show them the documents and maps, but is willing to speak in generalizations about their route and what they hope to find.
Nim offers to do some aerial reconnaissance if the party deems it helpful.
One can assume that these creatures are laying in wait, ready to ambush the unwary or foolish. What if we summon some bait to distract them, then we use the diversion to cross safely and be on our way?
I can summon a number of ponies to draw them off in one direction, while we go another...