Perception spot ambush
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Ok well Alathea you catch it just in time as you feel a sudden surge of heat and the slight sound of moving rocks. Then from out of
These aren't your normal panthers but have glowing red eyes and fire in their mouths and their fur is also blazing with hellish flame. They snarl and prepare to attack. They don't get a surprise but everyone except the two people on duty are prone as they are woken up with a start. In addition if you wear armor heavier than light armor you likely took it off before you went to sleep unless you were on the second watch.
Its a Knowledge: Arcana to identify these creatures.
Ok well Alathea you catch it just in time as you feel a sudden surge of heat and the slight sound of moving rocks. Then from out from behind some rocks leaps three panthers although not like any you have seen.
These aren't your normal panthers but have glowing red eyes and fire in their mouths and their fur is also blazing with hellish flame. They snarl and prepare to attack. They don't get a surprise but everyone except the two people on duty are prone as they are woken up with a start. In addition if you wear armor heavier than light armor you likely took it off before you went to sleep unless you were on the second watch.
Its a Knowledge: Arcana to identify these creatures.
For map purposes the Dark sqares are steep cliff faces and require climb checks to go up. The Map Link is below and in the Campaign Info.
Initiative
"Arise my friends, beasts of these wastes stalk us!"
Alathea extends her hand firing a beam of pure light at the lead creature.
Searing Light - Ranged Touch - Damage
This strange creature has a powerful, sleek body, like that of a
great cat, however its dark flesh looks like basalt, broken by
vivid lines of seething crimson veins that resemble molten
magma. It bears obsidian fangs as it roars, its long tail lashing
behind the beast blazing with a flicker of flame at its end.
Elijayss responding quickly draws his bow and moves and takes a solid shot at one of the panthers putting might into the shot.
The arrow strikes the Panther digging into its hide although the arrow is soon set ablaze by the heat of the creature's body.
He also yells, "Flamestone Panthers! Watch for their breath."
"Well Alethea, this journey so far has shown not much to me but as in to our objective... hard to say. I dont really have an opinion but rather maybe see the world a bit more and experience this side of life. Also I was curious how would it be to save the world at least once. Otherwise I am just following at this moment so to say a conduct of teachings: what is the right thing to do"
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Gabriel stands and prepares his shield.
"What manner of beast are these. Large cats that breath fire?"
Iniative
know arcana
Terevalis has never seen these or heard of these things before (The DC was 20), however he believes they are some kind of related species to the Hellhound and are likely some kind of Abyssal outsider of some kind. By the looks of them, their natural weapons will inflict fire damage and likewise would be invulnerable to fire based attacks.
Two of the Flamestone Panthers move in and bite at Elijayss and Alathea.
Plus
The Panther bites into Elijayss and takes hold of him with its jaws.
Plus
The Panther bites into Alathea and holds onto her with its jaws.
The third Panther moves in and breathes a line of fire onto Athola, Terevalis, and Jor. This does Fire damage DC 15 reflex save for 1/2.
She moves to come around behind the creature and attempts to stab it with the shard.
Round 2
Elijayss being grabbed by this horrid creature tries to break the grapple on him.
Unfortunately he is held fast in the jaws of the beast and is unable to struggle free.
The Panther attempts to maintain the grapple
And does so easily doing damage of biting and burning to Elijayss
He then gets to rake with his two claws.
One claw rips through his armor doing another damage
On Alathea, it bites down
And rips into her doing damage of biting and burning to Alathea.
in addition it rakes twice at her
Fortunately her armor holds against its attacks.
Athola gets a Bite-Claw-Claw attack.
One claw probably hits for Claw and fire damage.
"Jor", Alathea calls out, "aid Elijayss".
She Channels the power of Zivilyn to ease the wounds she and Athola sustained.
Channel Energy
Gabriel calls on Kiri-Jolith to guide his blade as he moves to the one on Alathea.
Gabriel's weapon cuts into the creature and boiling blood weeps from the wound as it growls angrily.
She takes a jag at the fire beast.
Round 2 The elf will move to get into a straight line and will lightening bolt the creatures.
Reflex 19
Two of the Panthers react quickly and only take a partial hit from the bolt but the one on Eljayss takes a full lightning strike too occupied on his prey to notice. The electrical energy courses through them visibly damaging their forms. Still none are outright killed by the attack.
Round 2
Hearing Alathea Jor nods and rushes towards Elijayss. Raising his greatsword and lashing towards the cat-like creature, hoping to kill it with that hit
On his turn the wizard will cast elemental dart:
Elemental Dart
Conjuration (Creation) [Air, Cold, Earth, Electricity,
Fire, or Water]
Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Target: Up to five creatures or objects, no two of
which can be more than 30 ft. apart
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fortitude half
Spell Resistance: Yes
From raw elemental matter, you form a magical dart of energy that streaks forward and strikes the target you designate. You choose to create an acid, cold, electricity, or fire dart when you cast the spell. You must succeed at a ranged touch attack to hit your target. The dart deals 1d6 points of damage, + 1 point per caster level (maximum 1d6 + 10). A creature struck by a dart can attempt a Fort save for half damage. You can’t single out specific parts of a creature to attack. Unlike magic missile, you can damage inanimate objects with an elemental dart. At every odd caster level past 3rd, you gain an additional dart. You create two darts at 5th level, three at 7th level, four at 9th level, and the maximum number of five darts at 11th level or higher. You can attack with multiple darts in the same action in which you cast elemental dart at no penalty. If you fire multiple darts, you can have them strike a single target or several targets. A single dart can strike only one target. You must designate targets before you make attack rolls, check for spell resistance, or roll damage. Since the darts are composed of elemental energy, they may deal greater damage against targets susceptible to elemental damage—such as using a fire dart against a white dragon, for example. Additionally, it is possible to be protected against elemental darts by appropriate spells, such as protection from elements, resist elements, and the like.
creating a set of cold darts one to strike at the one in front of him the other to strike at the one with the Kagnoesti
Ast reterwa /trew outr
RTA In Front
RTA: Kagonesti
Althola stabs the panther, the shard being effective against it (it is evil).
Jor strikes a mighty blow into the creature cleaving through its stony hide and cutting it down sending the flame-stone panther to the ground growling in pain.
Elijayss attempts to look around for a good place to reposition.
He then attempts to break the grapple
He breaks the grip of the panther and runs and climbs up the cliff face.
He climbs up to higher ground away from the beast.
Alathea strikes the creature on her with her magical warhammer knowing that a spell simply will not help her in her current plight.
Kiss of the Desert Sky
Warhammer Damage
Elijayss having taken the higher ground forces Flamestone Panther 3 to turn his attention to Gabriel. It charges him and pounces on him with a flurry of burning bite and claws.
Bite:
Claw 1:
Claw 2:
Claw 2 Confirm:
One claw rips into a weak point in Gabriel's armor for claw and fire damage
Flamestone Panther 2 continues to maintain its grapple
Doing bite and fire damage.
It also rakes twice with its claws.
Claw 1:
Claw 2:
One breaks through the armor of Alathea inflicting:
claw and fire damage
Alathea tries to beat the panther off her but the hammer bounces off its tough hide doing no damage to the creature.
Terevalis fires some magical darts of cold at the flamestone panthers but unfortunately they are rather dexterous and dodge out of the way of the darts before they can be struck with the potent damage.
The bite rips into Gabriel and it attempts to latch on at the same time.
Bite and Fire Damage
It successfully grapples Gabriel holding him fast in its burning jaws.
As for the claw the wound was more serious than normal doing another extra physical damage.
"Aaaaahhhh.... Demonic Beast. Kiri-Jolith guide my blade."
Gabriel spends his second smite on the beast that has him in it's clutches. He tosses his blade up and catches it blade down and drives it into the neck of the beast.
"Sorry Alathea, I will deal with the one on you next."
Gabriel drives his blade downward twice into the Flamestone Panther, the holy blade cutting two gaping wounds into its throat. The creature lets out a horrific guugle and its grip louses as it falls to the ground boiling blood weeping from its wounds.
She quickly moves in behind the last panther flanking directly with Gabriel.
The heat of the battle resulted in her being slow to react to the moving beast grappling with Gabriel.
Athola's weapon swings wide and misses the creature completely as it dodges out of the way.
Jor's Round 3 Attack!
Jor charges at the Panther holding his meal ticket... er friend Alathea.
GS Attack PA:
GS Damage PA:
Alathea yelps in agony as the Beast's flame and Claws rake and burn her flesh.
"Zivilyn aid me", she cries out.
Channel Energy
Elijayss takes aim and shoots an arrow at the creature putting extra force into the attack. He will activate his Ranger Focus (He has the Guide Archetype) adding a +4 to hit and damage against the creature
The arrow strikes true and does
Elijayss taking aim shoots an arrow through the eye of the and burrowing into its brain. It lets go Alathea and drops dead.
End of combat.
Elijayss leaps down from the rock and approaches the party.
"Foul creatures these creatures are. The Red Marauder brought a number of planar creatures to populate her new domain. These Flamestone panthers are a mockery of a true animal. Wholely unnatural and evil. WE should move camp before their corpses attract scavengers."
Alathea nods in agreement as she gingerly tends to her wounds. "Gather close my friends".
Channel Energy (3)
Channel Energy (4)
"Those panthers are real curse of the land.", as she quickly prepares to head out of the area.
"Is anyone still hurt? I can heal as well before going back to sleep."
Malys did much to warp the landscape and the flora and fauna of the land. All of the Overlords it seems, in addition to wiping out our dragons, terraformed the environment to their liking. I wonder what the Blue Phoenix and Chiselv think of this? he says.
Flicking his greatsword to shake blood off it and otherwise cleaning it. "Well, a lot of things has changed, for good or bad but seems like things here still seem to be "bit" awry" Jor comments as he glances around and examines one of the dead cat-like creatures
"I am sure both of them are agast about the destruction caused by the Dragon Overlords. Still just as the Gods could little to lift the Nightmare in Silvanesti, they can do little to restore these lands to their former beauty. I believe these lands will be scarred for all time and that saddens me. Before the Red Marauder came, these lands were among the most beautiful of all of Anasalon. Now it lies as an example of the troubles that dragons and their arcane powers can bring to the world. Whatever the case, let us travel for an hour and find a new shelter."
So you travel an hour and make camp in a new shaded spot although the hour is pretty grueling as the sun and the land is extremely hot and you are all drenched in sweat and relying on Alathea for water after travelling. Fortunately nothing else bothers you for the rest of the day and then continue your journey during the night fully rested and prepared as best you can.
Fortunately the travel during that night is uneventful and you are able to make good time during your departure.
Elijayss says, "We have one more day before we reach the Crags and the Spring, perhaps the only unspoiled place in this cursed land. This is likely due to the protection of the Oracles. Now I must warn you before we go to bring no violence to the Oasis. I know for a fact that the Oracles have some Ogre attendants but keep your weapons sheathed. The Oracles are ancient and powerful and one would not want to provoke their wrath."
You rest the day with no enemies attacking although a lesser silt storm hits during that day, forcing the party to sleep close to some rocks and Elijayss puts up a tarp to keep the blowing silt off the party's equipment to avoid spoilage. The party then continues on their journey to the Crags and the spring.
Nothing attacks them during the night as they arrive at a rocky and hilly area of the Desolation known as the Crags. Still the large Peak of Malys towers above even this hilly area. You wander through for a time and by morning head into a small valley where you come upon a welcoming sight. You see actual real trees for the first time, a lightly forested area and the ground looks to be healthy and the smell of water hits your nostrils. You enter the trees and find a beautiful spring with crystal clear water. The area is noticeably cooler and you can breathe easier as the smell of sulphur and fire is non-existent in this area. Overlooking the spring is a pathway of dirt that leads to a cave. Outside the cave is a bonfire that burns with a blue flame. Other than the crackle of the flame there is an odd silence over this area.
Gabriel approaches the spring and kneels. He takes the cool water and splashes it on his face and along the back of his neck. He shivers a moment as it runs down his back under his armor.
"This place indeed seems protected. Where will we find the oracles? Do the live in that cave there?"
You take some time to take in the environment. Elijayss heads to the spring but gives a cautious look around and gives a signal to stand back from the cave entrance, fully expecting the Oracles know of your arrival.
As if on cue, you see movement in the cave as from out of it steps three stunningly beautiful women. All three appear to be at the prime of life although not all of them look human as far as you can tell.
The Leftmost person of the three is an elven woman with flowing white hair and a fair elven complexion. Still contrasting those features she is dressed in a crimson colored dress and her lips are painted a red shade that matches her clothing. The central woman is a human dressed wearing a white dress with pale skin and raven black hair, the sort one might see among those of Nerekan descent. The Rightmost woman has deep brown skin, probably of Ergothian descent although the red flowing hair on her head seems to contrast this. The red-headed woman is dressed all in black.
Elijayss gives a respectful bow to the Oracles but does have a look of unease in their presence.
The black haired woman first saying, "Welcome Travellers, I am Sorrow"
The elven woman on the left speaks "Welcome to our Spring, I am Mourn."
The rightmost woman with red hair then speaks "Welcome heroes of destiny for we have awaited your arrival, I am Lament."
Sorrow then says probably preempting your words, "Yes, we can can answer your questions."
Mourn then says, "But wisdom is never gained without sacrifice."
Lament then says, "For every question we answer a price must be paid."
Sorrow then says, "For one question you must agree to bear a burden we shall place upon you."
Mourn then says, "For two questions you must also perform a task on our behalf."
Lament then says "For three questions you must also give us something you hold dear."
They all three say in unison, "What is your choice heroes of destiny?"
Gabriel stands from the spring and takes a few steps toward the oracles.
"I am Gabriel Lucas Barca, knight of the Crown. Place your burdens on me Oracles. We need guidance on our journey. We will ask three questions and I will pay what you demand. The only thing I hold dear in this world is my faith and honor. I'm not sure how I can give this to you. Please make your demands as we discuss what questions we need asked."
Gabriel looks back to the others after he makes this declaration.
"What do we need answered my friends?"
Know Arcana to see if I know anything about the Oracles