why does a mage have more hp than a rogue / priest Sandor silently muses :D
Once Gaius gives the "all clear", Ferox will make his way quietly down the stairs.
The ranger gives Bucho orders to stay with Morkeleb and guard him.
Handle Animal
Thorgrym goes along with Ferox as "backup".
Stealth
Perception
I'm coming along. After all, I can only check about the first 10' or so of stairs from up here. Let me go first so I can check for traps.
Stealth:
Perception is on autopilot with Trapspotting.
The stairs go straight down for some time before ending in a pair of double doors with iron bindings formed to resemble a tiger.
"Vencarlo's Story:
It started with Salvatore really. Salvator Scream’s work drew many eyes and admirers, and not just among the regulars at Exemplary Execrables. His work became a favorite of many noble families and other prominent citizens, who found his subjects shocking and safely scandalous—among them the seneschal of Castle Korvosa, Neolandus Kalepopolis. Neolandus was more interested in the artist than the art, and after attending a showing of “Tears of Abendego” at Exemplary Execrables (a performance he found distasteful at best), he met the young artist. The two formed a fast friendship, one of the few in Salvator’s life, and their meetings at various eateries to discuss art, history, and religion became a weekly event in both their lives—one that Kalepopolis, always a private man, kept relatively secret.
So when he survived an attempt on his life by the Red Mantis and was forced to flee his home in the Castle, wounded and poisoned, it was to Salvator’s doorstep Neolandus fled.With the aid of Salvator and his network of contacts in the Old Korvosan artistic underworld, Neolandus managed to both recover from his wounds and avoid the Red Mantis.Yet as things in Korvosa grew worse, and the Red Mantisgrew closer to discovering him, Neolandus realized that he needed to find a new hiding place. Salvator had just the patron in mind—the Arkonas. Long a fan of his grisly work,Glorio Arkona (who was, in fact, actually a rakshasa namedBahor) gracefully agreed to hide Neolandus in his estate as afavor to Salvator. Of course, gaining control of the seneschal played perfectly into the Arkonas’ plans to upset the queen,for according to Korvosan law, only the seneschal can legally depose a corrupt monarch. Neolandus has become little more than a caged pet to the Arkonas, an insurance policythey’re waiting patiently to cash in while Old Korvosa grows more desperate.
This is where I come in. When this city needs me, I help. It's not always direct, or legal (Sorry Ferox). But it has to be done by someone. I'm not as fast as I once was, but I needed to do something. I learned that the Seneschel knows the secrets of the Queen, and has something that may end her reign. I needed it, but got myself... captured. Gentlemen, we need to find Neolandus. His knowledge could end not only this stupid quarantine, but Iloesa's reign itself!"[/b]
Sandor listens to his story nods thoughtfully and asks Vencarlo to bend down
In the quietest of whispers We found ya stash and put it back there Blackjack when we killed the Red Mantis waiting at your house. We're totally with you in your desires to remove the queen. Not sure if I will want to put a Rakasha on the throne, but it might happen
right lets get him, and sets off down the stairs
Well hang on there friend Sandor…
Odric is trying to process all the pieces of the story he has heard, and tries to fit it together with the rest of the adventures the group has undergone since that fateful meeting with Zellara's sister in her dirty house.
First, Master Vencarlo, how do you feel? Odric is legitimately concerned for the older man's health, especially given the grievous conditions he was imprisoned in.
If I have this right, the Queen murdered the king, or had it done. She leveraged the Grey Maidens to secure her grip on power and began a campaign to bring the city to ruin. i'm guessing this was part of a plan to weaken the various noble families like the Arkonas, but who knows. She then had the artist girl, Trinia, framed and used us to capture her. We cleverly foiled the plan and you smuggled her to safety in the Beer Barrel Befuzzlement.
Odric scratches his head, Anyone want to remind me how the plague and the coins fit into this? And what is the deal with the mantis men? If I have the episode with the Emperor and his dead cadre of captains figured out, he was simply an opportunist who took advantage of the chaos and quarantine to rise to power as a petty despot and warlord in the old city.
Master Odric, I would love to sit and figure this out now, but I'm sure we have been watched or tracked all the way through here. What good's a maze if ya can't watch your prey. Not a good time to discuss things. Lets find our Seneschal and get out of here.
Let me adjust my weapons and armor for a minute Sandor. This suit of mail is new and I have to tighten some of the more hard-to-reach straps before we continue…
Like Odric, Thorgrym is also feeling a bit confused about the overall story and how exactly everything fits in.
Suddenly the ranger gets a small shock as he tries to mull things over in his noggin. Wait... is the rakshannahnah or tiger beastie we killed. Was that Glorio Arkona?
Yet though obviously a little bogged down mentally, the ranger is good at not worrying about all the little details and simply concentrating on the matters at hand. He reaches a free hand down to stroke Bucho's head and laughs to himself. Just like his dog he is better at living in the moment...
Vencarlo: "Thank you Odric, I'll be good. And Sandor, thank you. If you'd do me a favor, and never connect Blackjack to his real identity, I'd appreciate it. There is only one other person who knows, and I doubt Count Jeggare would even acknowledge it."
If I have this right, the Queen murdered the king, or had it done. She leveraged the Grey Maidens to secure her grip on power and began a campaign to bring the city to ruin. i'm guessing this was part of a plan to weaken the various noble families like the Arkonas, but who knows. She then had the artist girl, Trinia, framed and used us to capture her. We cleverly foiled the plan and you smuggled her to safety in the Beer Barrel Befuzzlement. [ooc]This is spot on.
Odric scratches his head, Anyone want to remind me how the plague and the coins fit into this? And what is the deal with the mantis men? If I have the episode with the Emperor and his dead cadre of captains figured out, he was simply an opportunist who took advantage of the chaos and quarantine to rise to power as a petty despot and warlord in the old city.
Finally, Vencarlo has told you that Neolandus can sew the tapestries together, provided you successfully save him.
Okay, things are as clear as they are going to be. Lets hit the door.
If Gaius gives the all clear Thorgrym will be the doorman.
Anyone want to remind me how the plague and the coins fit into this? And what is the deal with the mantis men?[/ooc]
Morkeleb muses as they walk. Your summary sounds very accurate. As far as the plague, we only have guesses and inference to work with. I can think of any number of reasons for the plague: an excuse to institute martial law; simple chaos and fear; getting in cozy with the Urgathoans...
Morkeleb muses as they walk. Your summary sounds very accurate. As far as the plague, we only have guesses and inference to work with. I can think of any number of reasons for the plague: an excuse to institute martial law; simple chaos and fear; getting in cozy with the Urgathoans...Anyone want to remind me how the plague and the coins fit into this? And what is the deal with the mantis men?[/ooc]
Ugh. Such waste. I'd really need to know why. Queen Iloesa already had it all. She was rightful queen. Her husband was aged and she is still in the prime of her youth. All she had to do was wait. Or Nine Hells, she could have just smothered him with a pillow whilst performing her queenly duties. She could have claimed his heart failed, held a lovely state funeral and she'd have at least half a year to consolidate power and allies.
But this... Whole... Thing. It makes no sense. Something else is at work here. Perhaps Urgathoa is a lot more involved than just The Plague. It would answer a great many questions.
why does a mage have more hp than a rogue / priest Sandor silently muses :D
I'm sorry. Never meant for it to be a whole thing. :(
I'm sorry. Never meant for it to be a whole thing. :(why does a mage have more hp than a rogue / priest Sandor silently muses :D
Gaius I think ya might be onta sumtin. Who or what couldn't wait? 'N don't be forgettin the vampire.. that one was old and powerful.. This smells of more than just those inside our city walls.
Vencarlo, ya have known tha queen for a long time has she always been this way? Could she have been transplanted or controlled by one of these Rakasha? or something else?
Gaius gives the all clear on the door. Once opened, the seen is disconcerting to say the least. This large room is lit by a heartily burning fire pit in the room’s center. Cages hang on chains dangling from hooks in the ceiling, while racks, strappadoes, gibbets, and other implements of torture fill the floor space. A pair of immense wooden doors stand in the wall to the north, while to the south stand several narrow cells, one of which is occupied. What stops you in your tracks, however, is the creature in the room. The feminine figure has golden tanned skin and well-formed curves, suggesting years of activity and work toward physical perfection. Beneath her diaphanous robes, the creature’s legs cross over one another, while six arms—two facing toward her back— wave in a continuous dance. Three fanged heads sit atop a sturdy neck, studying every direction. .
She instantly sees you and draws a kukri, spear, and temple sword.
<--blarg
What should be avoided in attacking this thing?
[dice=Know(Planes)]d20+14 <--blarg
What should be avoided in attacking this thing?
a kukri, a spear and a temple sword. Duh.
a kukri, a spear and a temple sword. Duh.[dice=Know(Planes)]d20+14 <--blarg
What should be avoided in attacking this thing?
hehe, and for an 18 that's about all you get.
Aftering hearing the group's exchange with Vencarlo (and the recap - thanks, BTW), DeGrog fathoms that saving his precious cargos' lives will be more than a simple matter of knocking a few guards' heads and rolling out with the next tide. He also realizes there's much more at stake than one shipful of hapless refugees. He resolves to find a way to smuggle food and water onto the ship, hopefully in the course of aiding his new allies.
Before entering this room, DeGrog made a point to acknowledge this Vencarlo fellow. He likes the cut of his jib, and has a sense that this human-man would understand, or at least respect DeGrog's raison d'être.
What the blazes is that She-Beast!?
(DeGrog has to know, does she have six bressesses to match? - if so, what direction(s) do they face?)
ROUND 1
The wizard is unable to identify this creature, but is sure it is up to "no good." While creatuers such as this often possess resistances to magic in general and elemental magic in particular, he's sure he's not going to get this chance again.
He boldly steps just to the front of the group, levels his staff at the monstrosity, and lets loose a lightning bolt.
<---hmmmm, anyone's guess!!
Your turn, gentlemen.
Round the First
Upon bursting into the room, Odric immediately begins and ends an extremely abbreviated warm-up, involving quick toe touch, a rotation to the right and one to the left. He levels the Kegerator at the beastie, cocks his head as he turns the blade sideways and sights down the fuller with one eye. Finally sure it does indeed have six arms (and presumably several pair of pectoral protuberances?) He shrugs and flies into melee.
With a powerful hacking blow, Odric attempts to end the fight before it begins. He aims for her head with a snarl and hopes for the best.
First -> Power Attack (Furious Focus) with MW Keen Falchion +1: for damage.
Second -> Power Attack (Furious Focus) with MW Keen Falchion +1: for damage.
Confirm 1 -> Power Attack (Furious Focus) with MW Keen Falchion +1: for damage.
Confirm 2 -> Power Attack (Furious Focus) with MW Keen Falchion +1: for damage.
Ferox arrows!
Round 1
Ferox dashes into the room and calls on Abadar's Favor to dole out some much needed Justice on the creature.
Casts Divine Favor and activates Judgement: Justice.
Round 1
AC:23 HP:74
DeGrog hustles through the room, readying his trusty shield - behind which Salt Reaver materializes in his free hand. Suspecting this thrice-headed be-awtch can't be flanked, he slips past Odric to stand between the beastie and the occupant of the prison cell, risking a quick glance within
Round 1 init repost:
Morkeleb: 24 cast
Odric: 24 attack (I mean, frag)
Ferox: 22 cast
DeGrog: 20 move
Baddies: 15
Gaius: 15
Grym*: 11
Sandor: 11
(I'm assuming tied results yield to the higher init mod.)
Odric hunches his shoulders up in consternation. He seems puzzled and his distress evinces a sympathetic whimper from Bucho. Sweat beads and rolls down his temple as the stress of the situation mounts. Grym sidles over, keeping a watchful eye on the three faced demon in the middle of the room. Grym soon seems equally puzzled.
With an exasperated sigh, Gaius strolls up to the upturned barrel and looks over the proceedings with a level of disinterest that slowly gives way to a raised brow. He glances at Vencarlo, then to Morkeleb.
Ferox too approaches with DeGrog to see what is taking so long, although from across the barrel, meaning they are forced to reverse things in their minds to get a proper perspective.
Morkeleb, with a gesture scrys the barrel top from across the room, then casts Message with a careful gesture of his staff's green gem. Sandor perks up a moment later, turns and hustles over to Odric's side, pulls at the warrior's sleeve with a quick tug.
Oi! The wizzerd says ye should be movin' the red Jack over to the black Queen on the end an' be quick lad. We're aboot ta get back ta the fightin'.
We saw that move three rounds ago, stupid mortals the Demoness intones in an eerie chorus between her three voices.
Donkeyhorse agrees with a contemptuous Heee-Hawwww! and nuzzles the demoness' upturned palm, coming away with a crunchy hell-carrot.
Odric glances up, nods to Morkeleb and scowls at the traitorous Donkey.
Morkeleb casts a spell, and for the briefest of moments, it looks like it's not going to penetrate the mystical protective energy. But finally it does, slamming into her arm, but she seems unharmed by such a small amount of electricity. Odric moves into position and let's the creature have it. Her three mouths bellow a cry of rage. The warrior's blow begins to instantly knit together, but it's too massive to completely heal and she bleeds freely.
Her reply is ferocious:
Without missing a beat the sword slashes at Odric even as the spear and kukri blur against DeGrog:
Odric, no longer the journeyman, now a champion of combat, takes the first blow, and quickly adapts to the pattern, parrying the second and third. DeGrog (thanks to his shield) similarly parries. The monster moves back a bit to avoid fighting from a bad spot.
Gaius!
Morkeleb: 24 cast
Odric: 24 attack (I mean, frag)
Ferox: 22 cast
DeGrog: 20 move
Baddies: 15
Gaius: 15
Grym*: 11
Sandor: 11
Baddie: 31
ROUND 1
Gaius double moves, skirting the edge of the room and ends by the torture implements near the battle. He uses the distraction his comrades is causing and the cover from the iron maiden and tries to hide. He readies his whip.
Stealth:
Grym, you're up.
Round One
Grym rushes forward and leaps onto the table, ahh! blades out Jack Burton style. He stands poised ready to pounce on the next round.
The low slung, heavily muscled dog however, moves at a much faster rate then his master. Bucho runs forward nails clicking on the floor. He ends in the space next to Odric and bites at the 3headed monstrousity.
Bucho attack
Power bite
Grym preps to attack, but Bucho gets a solid bite on the creature's leg. The teeth, like Odric's blade are mystically resisted, and the wound heals instantly, though not completely.
Baddie: 34
Sandor, close out Round 1.
ROUND 2
Seeing how easily this creature dodged the lightning, and how close it came to resisting it altogether, Morkeleb begins to worry. He points his staff at her, utters an incantation, and three energy bolts shoot out--one for each head.
Round 1
Be right there lads as soon as my lil dwarf legs will get me there. Morkelb tis be ok if ya be sendin this one back to where it belongs with ya hell fire
Sandor saddles up, and Morkeleb's missiles fly through his legs to slam into the creature, knocking her back a bit.
Odric!
Baddie: 45
Round the Third
Odric scoops up his deck of many cards and hacks twice at the monster with a snarl.
Power Attack (Furious Focus) with MW Keen Falchion +1: for damage.
Power Attack (Furious Focus) with MW Keen Falchion +1: for damage.
Confirmations:
Power Attack (Furious Focus) with MW Keen Falchion +1: for damage.
Power Attack (Furious Focus) with MW Keen Falchion +1: for damage.
round 2 odric or did i miss stuff
Round 2, Odric is just uber ready.
Odric strikes ever harder landing a massive blow followed by a solid hit. The creature screams in a chord of agony. She is bleeding profusely now, and looks desperate.
Ferox!
Baddie: 87
Round 2
Ferox draws his bow and takes deadly aim on the six armed monster. He lets loose a volley, hoping he shoots true.
Ferox whistles two arrows past the crowded melee into the beast. The first hits her clean in the neck, the second arrow misses by just a hair.
The arrow would have killed a mortal (and single headed) woman.
DeGrog
Baddie: 87
Round 2
DeGrog drops his shield, latches two hands on his trusty cutlass and hacks steadily at the wounded creature, seeking to end its miserable existence.
1st: for damage
2nd: for damage
Aaaarrrggghhh!!!!
Who us up? Did someone forget to go?
Paizo ate my post during their upgrade....
DeGrog's first blade sinks deep into center mass. The voices cry out in anguish and quickly fade away. The body drops, and blood pools. The odd trisymmetrical pattern of the pooling blood only adds to the macabre.
XP: 914 each
Paizo ate my post during their upgrade....
DeGrog's first blade sinks deep into center mass. The voices cry out in anguish and quickly fade away. The body drops, and blood pools. The odd trisymmetrical pattern of the pooling blood only adds to the macabre.
XP: 914 each
Sandor kicks the weapons over on a pile away from the beast. Takes a quick look to make sure none of the wounds are knitting back up.
Quick and efficient lads. Good work, glad I could be a distraction.
Walking over and walking over to the occupied narrow cell. 'ello there. I guess I can say this part of your ordeal is over. My name is Sandor Stouthammer, and we're here to rescue ya. Now Now I know you were expecting someone a bit taller
Sandor glances and points over to Odric who is doing some cool down stretches while cleaning the kegerator. Odric's the tall one
Now who might ya be? How'd ya end up in a place like this
Morkeleb breathes a sigh of relief that this thing is down. He then casts Detect Magic and scans the area.
The ranger begins looking around and searching the place.
Perception Take Ten