When you decide on the party, I'll need a Stealth, Survival, and Perception check.
Grym and Bucho are going.
Perception
Stealth
Survival extra +4 for tracking, an additional +4 tracking humans
Bucho's skills
Stealth
Aid to survival
Scent Perception
Grym will totally accept the magically keen sheath for his sword.
Note, bro, that the sheath casts Keen Edge spell 3/day--meaning you'll have to take a standard action to use it. On the plus side, duration is 50 minutes at caster level 5
If relying on stealth DeGrog will stay at camp and take turns on watch. He attempts to position himself upwind of Odric. .
Grym will totally accept the magically keen sheath for his sword.Note, bro, that the sheath casts Keen Edge spell 3/day--meaning you'll have to take a standard action to use it. On the plus side, duration is 50 minutes at caster level 5
Standard action, good to know.
Maybe I can bring some relief by casting Stinking Cloud
DeGrog hastily knits his nose-hairs together to form a protective filter.
Sandor takes his time, and only takes what's necessary. He leaves his pack and crossbow behind at the camp. He takes a few minutes and ties some cloth around the parts of his armor that makes the most noise to help dampen the sound.
Odric if you need to move before we get back, can you please put my stuff on Donkey Horse, so I can retrieve it later?
When everyone is ready, Sandor proceeds with the rest.
+1 for tracking, an additional +2 for humans.
Ok.
You don't find any signs of pursuit, but Bucho feels uneasy. You're confident that you're not being followed, so it could be this area that is making the companion uncomfortable.
When you arrive in the territory of the Lyrune-Quah, you are quickly set upon by a half dozen moon maidens. These are women of incredible strength, and each has a slate colored wolf by her side. The leader, a woman of beauty equal to her strength runs forth to meet you while the others hang back in easy arrow range.
"What brings Tshemek to our sacred lands? No is not the time for your taint. We have enough problems. Tell me why I shouldn't simply shoot you and be done with you."
"What brings Tshemek to our sacred lands? No is not the time for your taint. We have enough problems. Tell me why I shouldn't simply shoot you and be done with you."
Gift: what's the overall haul from the Acropolis? Some item may show itself obviously appropriate by its characteristics.
Gift: what's the overall haul from the Acropolis? Some item may show itself obviously appropriate by its characteristics.
Nothing jumped out at me...
Leather armor +1
Mantis Mask (x4)
Whip +2 Axiomatic
Decanter of Endless Water
Sustaining Spoon (but everything it makes is SPICY!)
Bottle of Air
Bright orange cloak: Resistance +3 (-1 to Stealth)
Dagger: +1 Magic Beast Bane
Scabbard of Keen Edges
Gemstones (x25)
Crystal 2-headed dove locket
sapphire cufflinks
Lissala holy symbol (bejeweled)
I don't remember seeing anything that was Acropolis-centric that we might have taken and didn't--but I could probably review the relevant pages this afternoon as I'm going home to care for a sick daughter
If they sort of live in a desert/plains area where there is a dry season, the decanter of endless water might be a good gift.
If they sort of live in a desert/plains area where there is a dry season, the decanter of endless water might be a good gift.
I do not object to that...
Grym confers with DeGrog, Chopping body parts off is a little extreme. Simply slicing the skin off with the mark should suffice. I could tan it up all nice, but that would take a little time.
Grym has to admit to himself that he is rather enamored of these moom maidens. Beauty, strength, and canine companions...
When he gets a moment he asks the Wizard if these women are "maidens" in the technical sense or that is just what they are called.
The mark is enough to gain entrance, but if you blow it, a physical gift wouldn't hurt. As is though, they haven't seen the Mark.
Ferox steps forward, right hand held up displaying the Mark of Desna.
Maidens, my comrades and I have braved the perils of the Acropolis and have come baring Desna's Blessing. We have come to you to try to secure the aid of a Truthspeaker. Please, we seek no quarrel from you.
Grym has to admit to himself that he is rather enamored of these moom maidens. Beauty, strength, and canine companions...
When he gets a moment he asks the Wizard if these women are "maidens" in the technical sense or that is just what they are called.
Morkeleb gives the ranger a slight smirk and roll of the eyes before answering...
<--Know (history) is +14 so add 2 if that's the more appropriate skill check
It's their title.
At the sight of the mark on Ferox's hand the leader gasps, turns to her party, then turns back to you. The other maidens whisper things such as "it's true" and "we are saved!"
The leader turns back and addresses you in a more formal manner, "I am Tekra’Kai, of the House of the moon Tshamek. We have been waiting for the Dream Mistress to send you to us. Come we have much to discuss..."
She turns and heads off (on foot) expecting you to follow. She explains on the way, "One of our ruins has been taken over by the Red Reaver. I am losing face quickly at my inability to cleanse the ruin. In fear of failure, I asked Desna for Guidance. A spell of Divination led me to wait for a marked savior. You have come. And now there is slaying to be done..."
Following the strong and shapely maidens up the trail. "Ohhh a Red Reaver ya say. By what manner of foul beast or man is this Red Reaver? Cuz I'm sure if there's slayin that needs ta be done we can do it Sandor says with curiousity and confidence.
Ferox falls into step beside Tekra'Kai, hoping the others follow suit.
Tekra'Kai, I am Ferox. What can you tell us about the Red Reaver? How long has it occupied these ruins? After we help you defeat the Red Reaver, will you help us gain an audience with your people?
[b]"Ferox, Blessed of Desna. Truly you are unique among men. You bear the weight of the wicked God of Cities, yet the mark of our Patroness. The hulking beast towers at a height of ten feet. Its body
is thick and hairless, its gray hide flushing with crimson along
the arms and legs. Strangely tiny bat-like jut from its shoulder
blades while its gangly claws swing down to its ankles. Three
separate pairs of crimson eyes hint that the creature has some sort of crude intellect, but its powerful jaws and razor-sharp talons dismiss
any suggestion of docility. Indeed it took residence two fortnights ago. The beasts are rare but not unknown. There is something in their lairs that only they ken. Once they find a home they become very territorial. I sent multiple waves of maidens at it, but thus far they've all had to ....retreat."
She says the last word with clear disdain. Knowledge (Arcana) check, -5 to roll due to only getting it verbally (albeit descriptively.)
<--oh for the love of...the dice bot hates me
It's their title.
The ranger nods in thanks to Morkeleb's answer, internally he is happy at the response. He never saw what was so great about pure maidens. He was much more impressed with several of the ladies that Gaius had introduced him to.
Thorgrym's eyes widen a bit at the moom maiden's description of the Red Reaver. His old mentor, had a similar story of fighting a like creature. Servants of the Dawn Flower would sometimes have to face such foes. Demons or devils, the ranger wished he could remember the stories better but his mind was not built for such things. Creatures from the other side. Difficult foes, but they can be killed. . The ranger gives his dog a covert hand signal to "speak". (Usually one he gives for the dog to scare off simple thugs)
Animal handling . [ooc] whew, luckily DC is only 15 [/ooc
Though the dog is shorter than most of the wolves, he is built much thicker and more muscled. The dog gives a very deep growl then a snap of his jaws.
The ranger strokes the dog's ear. Bucho agrees that though a foe may be tough our pack can slay it. .
Hmmmm... Don't want to jump to any conclusions here, Thorgrym.
Tekra'Kai, is the Red Reaver otherworldly? From another plane? Or is it as you say merely an uncommon beast, though a powerful one?
"It is a beast we have heard speak of, but not one from another world. Our shaman say they are not intrinsically evil, just a beast. It is certainly powerful, but Desna tells us that you can save our location. The tribe has not yet settled, and they arrive soon. If the ruin isn't secured then.... Let us not speak that way.
From here you can see the beginnings of a 100 foot tall ziggarut.
We will do all that we can to help you and your people, Tekra'Kai. Is there anything more you can tell us about the beast? How it fights? You say your maidens have made other attempts to defeat it. What are the ruins like? What is it's lair like?
"We have not seen past the first floor. It's a massive structure with a balcony in the main room. The creature fights with brute strength. Its claws can tear a human to ribbons. Its roar chills hearts."
In very passable Shoanti...
Though your description is colorful, I cannot identify this creature and cannot speak to its strengths and weaknesses. However, oft times monsters who rely on muscle have little in the way of strength of will. I can control such creatures' minds. We will win.
Ferox shivers at the thought of such a violation of the mind.
In equivalent Shoanti...
Morkeleb, does your ability to control such a creature allow you the ability to have it leave the ruins permanently? Can you easily do so while we are engaged with it in combat, or do you require a more subtle approach?
Ferox shivers at the thought of such a violation of the mind.
any who could see into the depths of the wizard's cowl would witness a slight smirk.
Morkeleb, does your ability to control such a creature allow you the ability to have it leave the ruins permanently? Can you easily do so while we are engaged with it in combat, or do you require a more subtle approach?
At this time, my magicks are not permanent. However, I think it reasonable that I will be able to affect this beast in such a way that it will fall easily to your blades.
Making believe to understand Shoanti: let me at it, whatever it is. Hairless! Can't be that fearsome!
You make your way to the foot of the ziggurat. The silvery tower stands atop a low promontory in the foothills here. The surrounding stone has been smoothed by ages of wind, but the tower itself remains as stark and crisp as the day its final block was set in place. The structure shimmers with a slightly reflective sheen, as if an almost invisible layer of silver covered it. A thirty-foot-tall opening allows access to the tower interior at ground level, the curving sides framed by the long peacock tailfeathers of an immense butterfly or moth that has been carved into the building’s facade. The creature’s wings furl to the left and right, fanning over two side towers attached to the central spire, which rises to a height of a hundred feet. Above, a silvery sphere caps the tower’s peak, as if the moon itself had fallen out of the sky to become impaled upon the structure’s steeple.
As of this moment, the tower is silent.
Tekra'Kai, is there anything more you can tell us? How far in is the beast?
Gentlemen, make your preparations. Unless you have any objections, let's be about our business and remove this beast from these ruins.
Since they have not gone past the first floor, my best guess is that the creature takes some vigilance.
Morkeleb will cast Detect Thoughts (duration: 8 minutes) as they approach, and will start by concentrating for the existance of surface thoughts in the main area from 10' outside the doorway.
Ferox will stay close to Morkeleb. He casts Heroism on himself.
"The second floor is a beautiful room. The entire floor is one large chamber. The creature is very vigilant, and it's senses are too keen for us to maintain surprise."
Morkeleb, you don't detect anything within 60' of the entrance. You can tell that the walls and floors are of thick stone, so you don't think you could perceive through them.
Well, that being the case, Ferox peeks in through the door. If he sees nothing, he'll step in staying to the shadows.
Grym will make use of the magically keen scabbard. Part of his mind is wondering if he will be able to tell how much sharper his blade is as he cuts into this creature.
Right before they ascend to the second level the ranger plans to cast magic fang on his loyal dog.
Perhaps we should head straight to the 2nd floor, as that's where the creature attacked last...
maintain concentration to maximize duration of Detect Thoughts
Up and away, boys.
Ferox follows Grym's and Mork's(?!) lead.
What's this talk of remainin vigilant... I'm always vigilant, except when I'm drinkin a good dwarven stout, usin the lil dwarven boys room, laughin and joking with my friends drinkin a good stout, sleeping, or just generally talkin about nothin. You can call me Mr Vigilant cuz I will watch ya with my good eye. Sandor says while turning the scarred side of his face towards Morkelb and imitating one of Odric's faces with the crazy eyes when he's telling an "Odric version of history" stories.
None the less he readies himself near the front with axe and shield keeping his strong plate, and will between his friends and himself.
Ferox follows Grym's and Mork's(?!) lead.
Nnnno, nononono Tim. Morkeleb is far to soft and chewy to be in the lead. At least 2 stouter folk in front, and at least 2 behind.