Fall of nations Chapter 1 - Refuge

Game Master Wrath

Just waiting to see if ay more questions before I post an update. Will leave it one more day. Cheers

Well, I'm gessing it must be a busy time. I'll put some answers to your questions Milhar and see how we go from there

The old orc looks at Milhar and laughs, a wet sound of coughing phlegm rattling through his teeth more than a true laugh. "To kill one of the mindstalkers you must kill its true body. Not an easy thing to find, especially when thye are usually being hunted by those who have been touched by their malice. We are lucky this time, for it made the mistake of attacking my village before everyone was there. This one must have been desperate." He stirs the fire a little with a large stick, the embers flaring briefly and lighting the cave more. Outside, the storm raged on, the wind howling through trees and slapping the soft and large leaves of the undercanopy around.

"If we strike fast, we may be able to free those touhced by this evil, and still take the beast itself. It will take two groups to do this, one for the village to hold its attention as long as possible. The other will need to try and track its lair, and that takes power and courage. Neither task will be easy, for those in my village will fight to the death if it has hold of them strongly, yet we must try to spare their lives for they are not responsble for what they do." His voice hardens on the next statement. "Except for the one that the creature used to penetrate the totems. That one must die, for the evil lay in their heart for the Bugbar to manipulate. Their is no place for mercy for ones such as that"

At Milhars request to aid with the totems, he looks guarded. "Perhaps you could help Meel Harr. The magic of the totem is powerful to those with the sense for such things but is difficult to learn. Perhaps if we get close enough you can try to determine what is wrong. It will depend on how we plan to tackle the beast itself.". The group notes that he is not very forthcoming with information on the totems, but he is accepting of the offer for help.

As to the fish "At this stage we must consider only the immediate threat. Your halfling friend has promised to grant our people access to the fish without trouble. Let us cross that path when our other concerns are settled."

The storm continues to power on, the orcs ignoring it and working on their weapons and gear.

One more day for questions if you want. The old orc is suggesting a two pronged attack to take down the bugbear. One group to try and neutralise the orcs in teh village, holding its attention there while it "wears" its host. The other group will try and find its lair. It sounds like the old one has an idea how to do this. You can choose to do one ask or the other as a whole group. Alterntely you can split your forces to tackle each task if you want to go that path. If you do the split option, I'd prefer not to have one member go off on their own but it's your choice. Any other options you can think of are also welcome.

Sorry for my lack or posting. There have been some minor RL issues to take up my time and as well, Bo-dan had not seemed to be speaking to me so clearly or loudly. She does have something to say now though ;-)

The wise young monk realizing that for she and her friends to take on the task of distracting, and possibly harming or even killing some of the villagers, might have some disastrous after effects. No matter the reason, there might very well be more than one warrior who has less than pleased with an outsider who harmed or worse a member of his family. With this in mind, after her long silence she finally speaks, her training causing her to naturally defer to the venerated Shaman. She bows deeply, palms pressed together in front of her chest; as she rises she says

"Respected Elder, While I cannot speak for all of my companions, I would not wish to take the chance of having to harm a member of your tribe. While I know it will be hard for you and your warriors to have to fight against your own friends and loved ones, I feel strongly that you are much better suited for that task while we hunt down and destroy the bugbear. As well, even though it was without any intention or malice on our part, I feel we must take responsibility for the harmful actions of the evil creature as it came with us and so it's ultimate destruction must fall to our hands."

"Aye, we will handle the destruction of the creature.You have a village to protect, it would be better if you did it without outsiders."

"I do not mind who I help."

Sorry for the lack of posting recently. First week of school and all that. I will try to keep up with regular posting.

"I will help track this thing's true form"

As the group makes their plans known the old orc nods his head in agreeance. "Very well then. My people shall attack the village. It is best if orc blood is to be spilled that orcs are the ones to do it."

He calls out to his warriors in their native tongue, and they immediately begin to prepare. Some of them gather weapons and begin to sharpen them or check for damage. Others gather towards the back of the cave and start ot plan how they will attack their own home with such a small number. It is a very subdued group.

The ancient watcher looks to the party from the ship and speaks in his dry voice "The beast is connected to its body by a mystic lifeline. If you have the spirit sight, you will be able to see this line pulse when the host is attacked. You'll need to be close to the battle when this happens if you wish to find the direction to the bugbear. Do not be seen by the host though, for the spirit of the beast will see your eyes glow when you use the spirit sight. It will know then that we track it and will flee. If it escapes, we shall be at the mercy of its whim, for then it shall choose the time and place of tis next attack."

He coughs again, the racking sound bringing plhegm from deep within his chest. The young orc moves to his side and offers him support but the ancient one merely waves him off,saying something quietly in orcish

orcish

"When you find the path to the beast be cautious. It will have defended its residence with traps, and perhaps something else. There are many dangers in the jungles here, and a canny opponent chooses to use those to their advantage."

"Now I must prepare for the battle. I suggest you do likewise"

I'm not going to over plan this in this format. All we need is for your group to be near the battle when the posessed orc starts fighting. Spirit eyes is the orcs term for detect magic. You'll need to be concentrating to see the link he's talking about, and it will probably require a decent perception to pick it up amongst a battle. Once you see it and point the way it should be a straight path. From that point you'll need survival checks to remain on path. Get close enough and its up to you how you tackle things from there.

For now, all i need from you is a stealth roll to get close enough to see whats going on. It doesn't need to be very high, but any natural 1's without a high enough skill to back you up may cause trouble

If you have any specific roll or battle order you wish to take, that would also be useful to know. Also, anything you plan on for when/if you get close to its lair.

Milhar

Stealth roll 1d20-1=9 Yeah we knew it was gonna suck

Apologies Bo-dan I just noticed your request to Milhar about Sorcery. I would have definitely spoken about this in some detail.

Milhar squeezes the doll a little to give Sen comfort against the ills it feels.

Stealth 5+2=7. Beat you Algret, mine's lower.

Bo-dan

Stealth (1d20+6=10) IC Doesn't seem to be in a good mood today...:P. I know this may be a little late, after a few rolls have already been made, but would all of us have needed a stealth roll anyway? Might not have the less stealthy ones been able to hang back while the more stealthy crept closer to the battle to pick up the trail? But then, of course, I think our only two members who currently could have been able to see the trail in the first place...ha, ok forget I said anything ;-)

PS Thanks Milhar and no problem. I'll get a response to that in soon. cheers.

Hehe, yeah Bo, it was always going to be interesting for you guys to sneak in there. No fear though, you have to get spotted while a battle is occurring and with light rain conditions. You haven't done as bad as you think. I'll give Pae and Vik some more time to post before updating (maybe later tonight). Cheers

stealth 1d20+2=21

what a waste of a good roll, the big guy is a good sneak,
Since Vik has the skill to track where should I go

Stealth for Paera; 3(roll) +9 (skill)=12 total. Doesn't matter where you are for now Vik, but it may do after this update.

The storm lasted for maybe an hour, its fury battering the island with relentless winds and torrential rains that blinded view for anything more than a few feet. There was no gradual sussation of the downpour either. One minute it was sheeting with rain, the next there were only the spatters of residual water making it's way to the ground from the thick layer of the leaf canopy above.

When the rain stopped, the orcs all stood and made their way to the entrance of the cave. None of them spoke to the small group from vixen, merely assuming they were ready and would follow the lead of the orcs.

The ancient orc was the only who seemed to give the party any kind of acknowledgement, and his words were not so much encouragement as warning "One chance, do not let it slip by"

They slipped out into the dim light and dripping wet of the rainforest. The smell of rain hung heavy in the air, as did the odour of damp earth and rotting vegetation. The orcs led them a more circuitous route, heading bahind the ridline and past an area of the jungle that seemed dark and foreboding, even for the current light conditions

Perception DC 15 (low light and darkvision add 2 for the roll)

The orcs make warding signs as they pass the gloomy forest, but the ancient one seems to pay it no head at all. Within moments they are past and over the ridgeline, approaching the village from a thicket of very dense jungle.

The lead orc raises his hand, fist closed, and the prcesion comes to a halt. He quickly gestures to his companios and they melt into the jungle on either side of his positon, almost as if the jungle swallowed them. Even Algret, her darksight able to pick out details the others couldn't hope to see, loses sight of them in moments.

The lead orc turns to the party briefly and points them off to the right of the village, to a spot between two long stilt huts. He nods at Vik, the one the warriors of the orcs had obviously taken as the leader of the group, and then he too vanishes into the jungle.

As the party makes their way to the designated spot, they feel clumsy in comparison to the Orcs. Only Vik seems able to match their stealth in the wild land. Paera winces at her sudden lack o grace int he jungle, but her mistakes are still very muffled in comparison to the rest of the party. They finally get to within a few feet of the jungles edge, some 20 feet from the nearest hut and settle in for the fight to start. The village seemed quiet, and no one could be seen moving around the common area.

Perception DC 13 (sound)

Perception DC18 (darkvision +4, low light +2)

Sense motive DC12

Tactical situation (spoilered for length)

Please let me know your planned actions for the upcoming fight. Also relative positons of the group within about a 15 foot area of chest high undergrowth. Do you have weapons drawn? any spells prepped or precast? that type of thing. I'll try and get a map available if I can. Cheers

Milhar stays in the woodline. He casts detect magic and will slowly move around the village, staying out of sight and ready for the tension of the bugbear to give up its direction.

He slowly draws one short sword and waits.

Perception for dark wood=13, Perception for village=19, Sense Motive=17

Bo-dan enjoys stands at the cave mouth during the thunderstorm, throughly enjoying being witness to nature's fury and inhaling the fresh air the rain brings with it. Only one thing could make it more perfect. Turning to look for her lover she finds Paera already there and their hands naturally slip into each others familiar grasp as silently, they both turn to appreciate the beautiful vista before them.

As the rain finally ends and the two parties make their way out together, Bo-Dan's elven eyes (1d20+10=21) pick out the jungle covered ruins hiding in the overgrowth. Nudging Paera, she indicates the ruins, not able to hide the adventurers sense of excitement and discovery in her gaze. 'Later' they both mouth silently to each other at the same time, sharing a small giggle between them.

As they finally reach the village this time it is Bo-Dan's elvish ears (1d20+10=15) which pick out the sounds of Orkish conversation in one of the huts, but she cannot begin to divine it's meaning.

Her keen sight (1d20+14=23) also enables her to see the two guards outside the large round hut who seem like they should be able to see the party, and the young monk wonders why they do not. The lack of any children around also once again give her the sense (1d20+8=24) that there is something very wrong in the village. As quietly as she can, she passes on the knowledge of what she sees to her comrades.

When Milhar begins his circuit around the village, Bo-dan quietly follows him, ready to protect him if necessary. She draws no weapons though as once again she finds herself in a combat situation in which she has no wish to cause any lasting harm to the combatants.

Algret makes her way through the jungle, wincing at the obvious noise her armor makes. As she notices the orcs superstitions actions she cans the areaPerception, darkvision (1d20+5=25) seeing the dilapidated structure nd the other, more solid structure deeper within. Seeing that the half elven couple have also noticed she grins quietly at their whispering and giggling, a good sign in such terse circumstances.

The village is silent to her,Perception, sound (1d20+3=6),puzzling after the rain. The oddity of it all quite distracting to the young priestess.Perception, darkvision (1d20+7=17)

After her time with the children, she expected to see orc children playing in the rainSense motive (1d20+4=22), and is deeply disturbed that this is not the case.

The ominous silence unnerves her slightly, and she unhooks her hammer from her belt. She briefly whispers a supplication to Torag, asking him to open her eyes and mind in preparation for the task at hand.

Casting Detect Magic, then Comprehend Languages

sneaking through the jungle, Vik notices the structure perception 28

when they make the village the only thing Vik notices that there is no noise from the children that should be here
listen=7, perception=13, and sense motive=18

Vik has his great axe drawn when we get to the edge of the jungle.

Posted a new link on my DM page. It's an image of what the village looks like. Not a map but it gives you an idea of what you're seeing. Once again I'll give Paera a chance to post before updating. Tomorrow morning I'll post again. I actually haven't seen Valkyrie on any of her aliases for about a week, hope she's ok. Cheers

Milhar prepares for the orc attack. He watches to see how the fight goes and what happens at the centre of the village. There should be the beginnings of a brawl and hopefully one orc leader, the manipulator. The host.

Rafiki is evil, but by my judgment it is the bugbear who fanned the flames and bears the full blame. So he comes here and starts his wrongdoing all over again. I should remain calm and true to the goodness of the Source, but this may be difficult. I want the bugbear dead!

Overhead the sound of rolling thunder and the odd flash of lightning can still be heard from the receeding storm. The cool change brought on by the weather leves goose bumps on the arms of the party as they move quietly around the jungle, searching and waiting.

Detect Magic

As they move further around they spot the old orc walking confidently into the centre of the village. He stands tall and proud, his aged hair hanging in lank strands down over his face. Threat Onyx tipped spear is held in his right hand, helping to support him as walks. When he gets to the centre of the village he calls out a challenge, the booming of his voice not what is expected given his earlier frail speaking.

Since Algret has comprehend language up, I'll do this so you can all read it. They're spoaking in orc but this saves me typing two big posts up

"Who has done this to the wards! Who dares expose this village to the deprevations of the sea folk?!"

Heads poke out of huts as orcs bekin to see what the fuss is about. From the large round hut near the centre, a huge orc male emerges. Strapped across his back is a large two handed sword. His bare chest ripples with muscle and is heavily decorated with tattos and scarring. Furs and the hides of other creatures adorn and protect him. At his belt, the head of another or hangs by its hair. The reletive freshness of the skin and other parts makes it cear tht it has only recently been removed from its owner.

The big orc glares down at the ancient one, and snarls out a reply. "I rule here now watcher. My brother would listen to your cowardly words of peace. He would have us truck with ship riders on our beach, even as they steal our bounty and pillage the lands without care. Your time of power is over old man"

The ancient mystic's shoulder seem to sag slightly at the sight of the severed head. For a moment his head hangs in almost defeat, but then he lifts his face again to the usurper standing on the threshold of the stilted hut. "You are the one whos is misled Grillon. You have tasted of the mind of the Bugbear and have let its evil into this place. It is why you destroyed the totems, it is why you killed your brother. It is also why I must destroy you, though it saddens my heart to have this thing happen."

As the words are spoken, the old orc raises his spear and it flares a bright green in the storm darkened gloom. From their places of concealment, the other orcs in the raiding party leap forward, some to block doorways to occupied huts, others to converge on the mystic who challenged the usuper, hoping to provide a barrier for him to work his magics.

At almost the same time, the hughe orc bellows a command and the screams of angry orcs can be heard from the main hut behind him. He leaps forwards, releasing the greatsword from its bondings on his back as he does so. For the briefest of moments everyone can see the shaggy face of a bugbear overlaid atop that of the enraged orc, and it that split second, both Algret and Milhar see the pulse of life light bleeding from the orc and feeding into the jungle to the south. The battle has begun

Righto, its heading southwards. You only saw it for teh briefest of seconds but that direction is a straight line to the bugbears corporeal form. The most direct way is across the village and into the forest but that will take you through the battle. It is option one.

Option 2 is to go around the village, trying to stay out of sight and pick up the trail on the other side. You will lose sight of the fight and the life line, but Vik can try to keep to the path with survival checks. Algret and Milhar can try to help with survival checks of 10 or more as assists, since they actually saw the line of magic. Bo Dan and Paera would be best served spotting for other dangers in this case, as the other three would be fully occupied in that task.

Of course you could all come up with your own plans, as a third option.

It is likely the creature is within 5 minutes of the village, as it would need to be fairly close to keep its possession in play

Cheers

Milhar

Vik

As Milhar and Algret's quick indrawn breaths indicate that they had seen the mystic line of the bugbear, Bo-Dan stands ready to guard them, her sharp eyes (1d20+8=18+2 for sight & sound glued for any sign of danger.

"I can see it. Vik its in that direction. The bugbear must be close but I sense that web of evil again. Beware of traps, like the old shaman ordered. Let's go round."

Milhar gets up and fixes his gaze on the far side, then he starts moving around the edge of the village quickly.

"Can't wait or more orks will suffer."

As the group begins to move, Algret's dwarven sense of direction gives her a good indication of their location.

"It bears this way Vik."

Surval to assist tracking (1d20+4=23)

Vik stares at the younger ork, his teeth snarling. He grips his axe tightly, his knuckles turning white from the lack of blood. Upon hearing Algret's voice he shakes his head and decides to follow the way she pointed survival 1d20+6=22

The run through the jungle is tense. With Vik and Algret tracking the location in whihc the lifeline was running and Milhhar calling directions as well, it was left to Bo Dan and Paera to watch for dangers. The young Rogue was having difficulty in this terrain, her footing earlier had been treacherous and left her feeling awkward and noisy, and now she felt she couldn't see anything past the broad green leaves of teh undercanopy.

Ahead of her, ranging slightly left of the party Bo Dan suddenly stoped and held her hand out to rest lightly on Viks chest. The big Ulfen looked up from his tracking at the monk, about to remove the hand forcefully when he realised she had spotted something.

The jungle in front of Bo Dan had moved against the general flow of wind for the briefest of moments. A vine had seemed to constrict and stretch slightly towards the tracking group and then stilled itself as if to strike. The longer she stared the more she realised this plant was active and lay very close to the trail they were following. It was maybe 15 feet from where she and Vik stood, with Algret and Milhar another 5 feet behind her. Paera was 15 feet on the opposite side of teh group, ranging to the right of the party to keep an eye out for trouble.

A sudden flash of lightning lit up the sky and the trembling rumble of thunder washed over the party. As it did so, the plants around them seemed to erupt in a life of their own, whipping and trying to tangle the party.

Ok, surprise round really. BoDan only just made that spot check, and then only becasue of teh bonus to vision. She can act as a half action (move or attack). The plant seems to have noticed your presence and casued the other plants around it to become entangling. Inititiative for the plant creature is 16. If Bo Dan beats that then she can act before the entangling effect. All other party members can state their actions but they'll not take effect untl surprise round is over.

Bo-Dan you can declare the half action for surprise round, then the full action for normal round.

Everyone please roll intitiatives as well

You've been travelling towards the location of the bugbear for maybe 3 minutes and must be getting close. You can't hear any sounds of battle now, but the distance, covering foliage and intermittant booms of thunder may be masking that noise. Cheers

The longer this fight goes on, the harder it is for you to pick up the trail again. Although if you guys keep rolling the way you have, then that won't be such an issue.

Initiative (1d20+4=17)

Her readiness for danger just barely allows Bo-Dan to get the jump on the aggresive plant and the young monk runs directly to the heart of the plant, drawing her kama as she does so. move action

Once she arrives, she unleases a flurry of blows (1d20+5=22, 1d20+5=25, 1d6+4=5, 1d6+4=8) on the dangerous plant.
in case the plant can be crited (1d20+5=11)

In case it's needed: Escape Artist (1d20+6=10)

Sorry about the delay, I had to do some reading up on rules and converting of a critter for this one. Squeazing it in amongst marking hehe

As the vine like plant begins to act, Bo Dan leaps forward and closes the gap. The monk was determined to prevent this thing from engaging her friends without suffering some serious damage first. As she closed with the plant, she could smell the scent of rotting meat, as if some animal had died recently and was beginning to decay nearby.

In response to the monks attacks, the plant life in a 30 foot area around the creature erupted into a life of its own, whipping and wrapping around Vik, Milhar and Algret's legs. (Free action, activate entangle effect). The main vine also rose up and struck at BoDan and scored a massive blow to the monk (Attack and damgage = 1d20+9=28, 1d6+7=13. OUCH!!)

Ok, a little vague on this part. Not sure if the thing can instigate a grappple in the same round as an attack for a surprise round. Will rule no at this stage, given that it also enabled the entangle effect, but still that put's Bo Dan in a very bad way and may have her rethinking her next move. This thing has reach so be careful.

The entange effect is 30 foot radius from the creature. Paera is only just outside the range (like 1 foot outside). Everyone else is about 15 feet in (which also means 15 feet from the vine). Reflex save of 13 to avoid becoming entangled (half move, -2 attacks, -4 dex, concentration to cast). The reflex save is wisdom based for some reason I can't fathom but the monster manual says so. If entangled it's a standard action to break free with either strength or ecape artist of 13 to beat.

Now the surprise round is done, can you please roll initiatives and state actions. Bo is on 17, The vine is on 16. Bo-Dan may want to rethink her strategy. Cheers

The Reflex save is wisdom based means that the vine using its wisdom to attack and grab. The spell would be druidic or wisdom based, so its a bit like the vine has a druidic spell like ability. The only reason (that I know) for putting this in, is in case we target the creature with spells that reduce its stats. Ray of enfeeblement, for instance, wouldn't effect the Reflex Save but others like Touch of Idiocy would.

Milhar freezes at the mercy of the jungle, a strangled cry right about to pop out.

Initiative=10. Need our A game for this monster, it's a TPK waiting to happen. Count me officially worried.

Initiative 1d20=14

Seeing the vicious blow delivered to Bo-Dan Algret calls to Torag for healing power.

Channel positive energy 1d6+1=6

DM

DM & Algret

init =15

so should I pretty much roll a will save instead of my usual ref save now? This is going to decide my actions for the round.

Yeah Milhar, it certainly did a big hit on the monk very early. We'll see how we travel shall we.

Vik, make a reflex save.

BoDan, those shots would definitely damage the creature, but won't drop it. The criticals won't apply. However, so far I've only resolved the surprise round, which is when you did your move action to close. This round, if you want, your flurry of blows will come into play.

Knowledge dungeoneering works for me Milhar

If I haven't got Pae's response by tonight I'll run her round this time. She had a recent loss in her family so may not be up to posting for a while.

Cheeers (from your now nervous DM.)

reflex save 17 Vik levels his axe and storms the enter of the plant

Vik takes a swing at the unfamiliar plant hoping to hit to hit 14 damage 15

Waiting to see if BoDan wants to rethink her action, and also if Milhar had a plan for this round.

Initiatives are Paera =20, BoDan = 17, Vine = 16, Vik =15, Algret = 14, Milhar = 10

Without putting damage spoilers or such the actions would be - Paera attacks the vine with her bow, she hits and damages it a little. Bo Dan is going to hit it twice if action is same as above and do lots of damage - or antoher action. - Vine then attacks Bo Dan again (outcome to be determined), - Vik then breaks out of the possible entanglement and attacks the critter hitting it for lots of damge, Algret heals bo dan (and the plant if it is still allive)- Milhar acts

This may help determine peoples actions. Cheers

PS-Probably not TPK Milhar, but not very pleasent for Bo Dan at the moment.

Milhar runs in beside Vik and slashes at the centre of the vines.

"By the Source!" he prays lighting the sword with arcane energy, flickering greens and blues up and down the blade.

Attack roll 14+3=17, Damage 2+3+1(arcane strike)=6pts.

Popped somethign into the OOC thread for people to consider. Cheers

Forgot to make a Ref save, rolled a 13 so okay for now.

With the initial shock of the vines attack wearing off, Paera quickly raises her bow and lets fly an arrow. The shaft flies true and sinks into the thick vine near her lovers head. Thick white sap sprays from the woody material and then oozes pustulently from the vine.

Bo Dan follows up with a flurry of blows that tears large sections of bark and leaf matter from the plant. Her fists are like iron as they strike and cause the damage, but the monk is not prepared for the plants response.

As if constricting at the pain, the great vine lashes sidewards at the monk, striking her body as forcefully as the first blow and dropping her body into a senseless heap (attack and damage 1d20+7=24, 1d6+7=12. That puts Bo Dan well and truly into the negatives I believe. The massive growth wraps tightly around the helpless half elf and begins to drag her body towards its base.

Vik, seeing the girl felled snarls and charges into the plant. As he does so the vine swings reflexively at the big Ulfen. It seems completely unimpeded by the body it has clutched in its grasp and the blow to the Barbarian is also huge, momentarily knocking the wind from his now bruised ribs Attack of opportunity moving through threatened area - 1d20+7=25, 1d6+7=9. Damage was 9

Despite this blow, Viks charge and aggressive swing strike true, the big axe slicing deeply into the vines base and neaerly severing it completely.

Algret, desperate to try and save her friend unleashes the life energies of her renewed faith. The smell of earth and forge fills the air and damaged bones and flesh are knitted anew. Minor ails and scratches from the party disappear completely and the ground around them seems to darken and grow thicker with renewed life. Even the nearly destroyed vine shows signs of regainnig some life, its tendrils desperately constrictig around the monk in a last desperate bid to squeeze life back into its damaged form.

Milhar's final magical strike puts paid to that action though, the enhanced blade of his sword finishing the job that Vik had started. The lifeless vine drops heavily to the ground, still clutching the unconcious and heavily battered body of Bo Dan to the ground at the feet of her rescuers.

What's more, the newly exposed area shows the corpses of a number of other creatures, some of them humanoid. Rather distressingly, the two newest ones appear to be the remains of orcish children, maybe close to ten years of age. It is hard to tell how long they have been here for the plant has grown nutrient sapping roots into the bodies and they seem to have decayed quite rapidly.

Well that was a quick fight, as was to be expected. Bo Dan is down and stable as far as I can tell, but very heavily unconcious. All sorts of interesting rule situatiosn popped up in that. Will discuss in the ooc thread tomorrow to see your take on them as well. The big one was whether the vine could constrict the same round it struck and made the necessary grapple check. I ruled no in this case as the wording in the MM didn't mention "immediately" as it does in some other cases (such as rend).

Feel free to post your actions now. Only 6 seconds have passed since the fight started to picking up the direction is relatively easy. However you now have one heavily wounded companion to deal with and her distraught lover as well. Cheers

Algret rushes forward to the young monk's side calling forth healing energy once again, ensuring that Vik is also within range

1d6=6

The vines last attack on Bo-dan should have put her at -9.A Close one! Algret's first heal should have brought her to -3 and this last one to +3. If anyone sees my math as off let me know and I'll re-post.

Floating in a place that is no-place, her beingness in a form that is no-form, Bo-Dan is peaceful and content. Her joy is multiplied exponentially as a form that hearkens from her very earliest memory begins to draw nearer to her, or perhaps she draws nearer to it. There is no way to discern movement in this no-place of no time or space.

The form of a beautiful human woman begins to grow clearer and as it opens it's arms in a wide embrace Bo-Dan's joy is like the Sun and she strives to move more rapidly towards this being of her dreams vaguest memories.

Suddenly though, there is a violent lurch and Bo-Dan is jerked backwards from the being she so desperately desires to reach and she screams in frustration, trying to move with all her will closer again. Yet her efforts are of no avail as, with another massive lurch she is drawn infinitely farther away from the being who gave her birth and she screams "NO! MOTH..."

"...ER!" as the Dwarven Priestess' powerful healing energies bring the young monk back into the world of the living Bo-Dan sits bolt upright, her face a picture of pain and loss and the last syllable of some scream on her lips. For a moment she has the look of one desperately trying to cling onto the last ephemeral wisps of some quickly fading dream.

Her eyes are then drawn though to the desperate, haunted gaze of the being who loves her more than any other in this land of the living. Once Paera realizes that her 'Vas-tascha' is indeed alive and well the tears she had been holding burst forth and she sinks to her knees enveloping Bo-Dan in her embrace as she sobs "Oh Bo! Bo! I thought you were lost to me! Don't ever do that to me again or I swear I'll...Just please don't ever leave me again."

Her dream-vision now completely gone except for a subtle lingering feeling of loss, Bo-Dan returns Pae's embrace with equal vigor as tears fill her eyes as well as she mumbles into her lovers hair "I won't Pae, I won't. I'm so sorry to scare you! Please forgive me!" The rest of their words are too quiet to hear and perhaps are best for their ears alone regardless.

Mere moments later though, as the two experienced young women are very aware of their present circumstance and urgent mission, they cut short their tearful reunion and stand together, still holding hands but ready for whatever fate may next throw at them. Both woman turn their grateful eyes to Algret and no words are needed to express their gratitude.

I really hope you don't mind my temporary use of Paera as well Val! Hurry back, we miss ya. : )

*Wrath*

Milhar scans back down the path and forwards to make sure of the direction of travel. The bugbear trail is uppermost on his mind. He even places a branch pointing the right way, or at least what he hopes is the right way.

Then Milhar quickly starts to sort through the bodies for identification and anything else of use in the upcoming fight. His eyes are still attuned to magical auras.

"Vik can you help me here, please?"

"Its not time for your great journey yet elf" Vik comments towards Bo when she comes to. He turns to Algret and gives a smirk and an appreciative nod, for her actions, as he draws in a breath that is slightly labored. When he hears his name come from Milhar, he says "I will help, but we must be quick, I don't want to lose this things trail, for it is well past the bugbear's time to go on his journey of eternal sleep." Vik will help Milhar search the bodies.

Just tell me what I need to roll if anything to continue the search for the bugbear, ok guys

if Vic is still significantly injured (5hp or more), Bo-Dan will use another charge from her medallion on him for this much healing (1d8+1=7)

A quick search through the rotting remains at the base of the vine reveals some coinage in a rotted purse and two small vials. Both of them glow with a magical aura to Milhars arcane sight. The little orc bodies are definitely only a few days old, but the root system growing though them has drained their bodies of fluids, leaving them withered. The stench is disgusting, and when the bodies are disturbed it rolls out in the humid air, making those nearby gag a little.

A quick search reveals the purse with about 50 gold worth of assorted coins. Their minted in a fashion not seen for nearly 50 years in the Empire, the head being that of the old Empress rather than the new Emperor. Potions are giving off aura's of conjuration and transmutation. The transmutation has an aura stronger than that of the conjuration. The search took about 3 rounds. Enough time for Bo Dan to heal herself more with her pendant and maybe Vik as well if he needs it.

After this short amount of time, and thanks to Milhar taking the time to mark out the direction of travel, you can go on to find the Bugbear. Make perception checks please. Those trained in Survival (with ranks) can make a survival check instead if you wish.

Milhar and Vik, can you also make a fortitude save for me please.

Cheers

Perception=9 and Fort Save=8.

Milhar tries to hand over the gold and vials to Algret. But orc food looks much worse the second time around. And it smells like rancid egg, three days older than it should be.

Milhar wipes his mouth.

Algret takes the findings from Milhar as he doubles over, patting him supportively on the shoulder. Her eyes still attuned to magic she looks for the trail after stowing the items.

Survival (1d20+4=14)