GM AbyssDancer's 'Ire of the Storm'

Game Master AbyssDancer

action 1
Iradyiel nods his head in agreement with Chest thumper and Pious. "Master Thumper and Master Pious have the gist of it. We should go into the jungle and find any survivors of the attack."

Action 2
After the meeting, Iradyiel explains to Muhdzuzi what was discussed in the meeting, then he asks in Polygot "do you want to keep any of the small items we found, the ones from your tribesmen or the frog?"

action 3
Iradyiel waits near the wagon, helping the guards keep watch.

Action I
Aza paused as the others spoke about the situation at the fort, before solemnly nodding her head. "I am-am sorry for your loss, and that we could-d-d not do more to help those stationed at the f-fort. I certainly agree that someone-one should search for the surv-vivors, and would be happy to offer m-my own services."

Action II
Aza puts in her lot for what she believes they should do with the found items.

Action III
Aza will enter the town, looking for something to purchase with her newfound gold. I have a couple things in mind for this, but am going to wait til the gold gets divided up to purchase anything.

The Stone Hall
As Andri Longroad fills the table with food for those hungry for hot food, Sheriff Praet sits and hears the full story of the massacre at Fort Breakthrough. She listens carefully and attentively as they tell tale of lizardmen, hunter spider swarms, and a deadly frog sniper. She is particularly shocked to hear of the mutilation of the bodies and the fact that the heads were taken.

She does have a few questions for the party. She asks about the evidence of magic use by the attackers, but there is little specific detail to add. She asks after the contents of the armoury, and leans back relieved when they say that it has been recovered on the cart. ”Thank the heavens – we cannot have our own steel weapons fall into the hands of our enemies. It’s one of the few advantages we have on these shores”. She does question whether there can be certainty that the raiders were lizardfolk: ”I appreciate the Songo’o here” she nods at Muhdzuzi, busy unscrewing the top from a pepper pot from the table and experimentally snorting the powder inside, ”tells us that’s what happened, but, you know, the stress, their damned smokeweed… can we be sure? We’ve seen no sign of lizardfolk this far south on this coast. Further north, in the swamps with the Boggard tribes for sure, but not here and not hostile. If true this is a serious problem.”

As the dread tale comes to an end, she draws herself up in determination, ”This cannot stand – but the town barely has the manpower to defend itself, and we have a storm to prepare for. Looks like it’ll pass just to the south, or so that halfwit Oracle Artimis Quentin says. You’ll have to keep out of the jungle until it passes, before thinking of heading back to pick up their trail.” She thinks, ”Count Narsus will call a Town Council once the storms passed, I guess. I’d value your presence there. He may ask to deputise you all – I’d certainly appreciate your help, as would the rest of the town, once this news breaks. You’ve brought grim news, but you’ve proved yourselves capable enough to deal with trouble, and we will need that in the days to come, I bet.” She shakes the hand of each of the party in sincere thanks, before answering any questions they might have about the town.

Outside, at the Handcart
Pious and Iradyiel ask Muhdzuzi to see whether he wants any of the Songo’o tribe weapons back. Through hand signals, and Iradyiel’s translation, he shows he does not ”Bad luck to take weapon of brother killed in battle. It would tempt a repeat”, he says. It takes an hour or so to sort through the goods on the cart and hand over to the militia those items to be given to the town. The food rations and equipment were particularly gladly received, given the destruction the upcoming storm is likely to inflict.

The smith, Vethorn Valgardson once more slaps Chest Thumper firmly on the back when he sees his crate of goods on the wagon, and smiles at the others despite the rain dripping from his honest face. ”You are an honest band, and brave too, if what I have heard is half the story. I’ll return this favour, to be certain. I don’t have gold to pay my debts but I do have steel and cured leather. If you want to come to my smithy, I can do you a special price for anything you need, or any special order you’d care to place.” this translates into 10% off all arms and armour at the smithy. 10% off the price. Not the armour only covers 90% of the body…

Once the handcart has been significantly lightened, the party seek advice on where best to to turn their loot into gold, and procure any equipment they may care to purchase. ”I’d try [b]Oyin’s Emporium down in Island Town,”[/b] recommends Saran, one of the Sheriff’s watchmen, ”she’s honest, and will give a fairer price than those ‘consortium’ merchants based over by the Narsus Estate. Fair, but mad as a bat.”

Temple of Abadar
Pious heads straight to the bank of Abadar once the meeting in the Stonehall breaks apart. Thumping a fist against the door he hollers, "Banker Baldra Sifreth. I need to speak with Banker Baldra Sifreth".

There’s a pause inside. Then a familiar cracked voice cries out “The damn doors open, you fool. Are you hoping Abadar’s angels will usher you in?” Looking inside, Pious sees the bank empty of customers or devotees. Sitting at a stool behind the banking counter is Banker Baldra, with a bowl of brazil nuts in front of her. Her wizened face glowers when she sees Pious, and she motions him over. ”Sit down young man, sit down. Help yourself to some brazil nuts – they’re delicious. You need fattening up, I dare say. Tell me, do you have news for me of my wayward acolyte?”

"We saw tracks and a severed hand that both pointed to lizard folk," Chest Thumper replied. "Though no bodies or living lizard folk so we cannot be certain. And we did not see any magic done but there was evidence on at least 2 of the bodies of lightning damage."

He looks to his fellows. "I fear that the trail will grow cold by the time the storm passes, but I also fear that the fort may have just been a stop on the raider's path here. We must decide if we feel safe in leaving the town to go search or if we feel that the town needs our help."

He listens to their opinions and, if necessary, waits for any requests from the Sheriff but then will head out into the rain. He doesn't bother trying to get Francis to follow, as the ape is falling to the food with gusto. The half-orc seems to see no issue with leaving the ape behind on his own good behavior.

He grins to Vethorn and his praise. He pulls his axe free and shows it to the man. "This has served me well, but I'm sure that you can craft something better. What sort of price would you charge me for a better axe?"

I would be up for handing the leathers back to be honest, seems like they would be something the mayor would like

Iradyiel should have first dibs on the breastplate if he still wants it

Jit - The Stone Hall
The Sheriff continues to look sceptical as Chest Thumper describes the evidence identifying the raiders as Lizardfolk. ”I’m not doubting what you saw, but there may be more to this than meets the eye. You suspect the raiders of one form of deception, regarding the Songo’o. It maybe there are others behind this raid than an up-to-now unheard-of lizardfolk tribe. Perhaps they covered their tracks with magic, or used explosive magics to blow the gates, rather than a dinosaur. I don’t know; I’m tired and this is terrible news. Please, hold on here in the town for a day at least, and once the storm is done, we can discuss what the town must to, and maybe how you can help us.” With this, the Sheriff leaves the hall.

It is only after she leaves that the party notice that someone sat in the next-door booth, a small figure sitting in the shadow of a single candle. Sat in the shadows, she has been able to overhear their conversation with the Sheriff, and has been listening intently. Aza, something quickens in that part of your soul you identify with your storm-wracked Mystery, as you perceive a sense, a hint of a kindred spirit in the diminutive figure across from you.

Outside, at the handcart
Vethorn takes the greataxe from Chest Thumper, turning it over in his hands and hefting it. He hands it back, and looks CT in the eye “I can better this. It’s an okay weapon, but being from the land of Linnorn Kings, well, there we know a thing or two about greataxes. I have one I’ve been holding back, waiting for the right buyer. Burnished steel, with a reindeer horn pommel. It’s not cheap, but I think you’ll recognise its quality, and I'd like to see it in your hands.”CT, there’s a masterwork greataxe of Linnorn design descorated with nordic runework, back at at his forge – yours if you wish for 288gp after the discount...

The Temple of Abadar
On hearing Pious’ news of Quinn Vanicus, the elderly cleric seems to shrink into her chair. The young acolyte was it seems a personal favourite of hers, and one she was lining up to shoulder more of the burdens of her office. Recovering, she looks Pious hard in the eye and asks him what happened. On hearing the full story, she spits out a curse at his killer; ”My God is not a God of vengeance – prefering calculating measure, a balancing of cost against advantage. I, however, am a nasty *&^%*ing piece of work. The ***ing mage who killed my student has earned my wrath. But I’m long in years and short in vigour; I need others to deliver my malice. Pious, you’re a crazy man worshiping a long-dead God. I sense you are a loose end, a ship rolling untethered in the high sea. Will you act for old Baldra in this regard? I’ll pay well for the deed… She leans back and looks at Pious, assessing him, hard and unblinking. She offers him more of the brazil nuts whilst he thinks (they really are delicious, large and sweetened with a hint of chocolate).

The Stone Hall

“Hoy, Adaela!” says a small figure who hops out of the next booth over and comes to stand before the Sheriff and her assembled. She appears to be a weatherbeaten but energetic gnome who clearly dresses in the practical lightweight clothes of a sailor - or pirate. Her coloration is a bit duller than is typical. She could be mistaken for a halfling except for the glint of lightning in her eyes and her face-stretching grin.

“It sounds like you’ve got a real bloody mystery on your hands - massacres, dinosaurs, lizardfolk shooting lightning all over the place,” she says casually, plucking a morsel of cooked goat off the table and popping it into her mouth. She continues talking as she chews. “It sounds exciting! I can’t stand another day of just piloting skiffs at the dock and hanging out with Quentin. Someone gave him something weird the other day and he was even more insufferable than usual. You have to let me help out!” she insists, clutching onto the Sheriff’s sleeve. She swallows her meat before adding, “You know I’m capable, and I haven’t had any real fun in weeks. Weeks!”

Seeming to suddenly realize that aggressively grabbing at the Sheriff is perhaps a bad idea, she lets go and gives a sheepish grimace. She turns to the rest of the table and throws up a hand in greeting. “Name’s Jit, by the way. Jit Wary. Sailor extraordinaire, problem solver, and soon-to-be explorer of jungle mysteries!”

Aza listened to the proposed course of action, and could feel her chest fall - she had hoped to get out into the jungle quickly in order to assist those unfortunate souls that might still be alive, but the storm was preventing her from doing so. While the oracle felt a strange, almost involuntary attraction to storms, she knew that they cared not about her in return. At this point, it is likely that the alive ones may be more lucky than those who have perished. She shuddered. Watch over their souls, if you are able, my lady...

Aza was shook from her thoughts by a swelling in her stomach, a strange combination of butterflies and wind, as the small figure stepped out from the shadows. Aza stared for a moment, before taking a bite and looking away as the gnome introduced herself. It was strange. She finished the nibble, before nodding to Jit. "H-hello..." she muttered, finding words difficult, but smiling awkwardly all the same. "Aza," she found the word, and pointed to herself, hoping that the brutally inefficient introduction got its point across.

"Chest Thumper. Francis," the half-orc says, pointing a thumb at himself then at the big ape next to him who is shoveling food into his long, fanged muzzle with all the table manners one would expect out of a big ape with a long, fanged muzzle.

Francis looks up when he hears his name. His eyes focus on the little gnome and his mouth falls open. He gives several breathless pants and shakes his head from side to side in a gesture that conveys is amusement.

He thumps Chest Thumper on the back and points at her, grunting querulously.

"I don't know." He gets another grunt and thump, more demanding. "I don't know." Another thump and grunt and a long, gnarled finger aimed at Jit. "Yes, ok! Yes, I think she's going to help us."

Francis relents, looking at the little gnome with some satisfaction. He takes up a fistful of goat and thrusts it at her.

Chest Thumper, having had enough of his brother, leaves him to his meal and goes outside and talks with Vethorn. He knows that his axe is not of the best quality. The tribe that adopted him would not give up one of their best weapons. His eyes light up at the description of the axe.

"Rain deer seem very appropriate, right now," he says, looking up at the sky and the water falling from it.

He follows Vethorn to his smithy. He will gladly turn over the requested money in return for the axe.

inside
’Wait through the storm, be deputies, well that is quite an honor, It wouldn’t hurt to stay here for a little while.’ Eating his fill while the party speaks to the sheriff, Iradiel nods his head in agreement when she mentions the possibility of deputizing them.

As he gets up to leave, and the gnome comes over and introduces herself to the party, Iradyiel gives a polite bow. ”I’m Iradyiel, Mistress Wary, welcome to our little band.” He reaches out to shake her hand, smiling as Chest Thumper and Francis begin their shenanigans.

outside
”Thanks Sarah, we’ll take the items to Oyin’s Emporium.” With a nod Iradyiel takes the cart to the Emporium, Selling the remaining goods including the cart to Oyin, At the last moment he decides to keep the Terbutje.

When the bickering is done for the goods, Iradyiel shows Oyin the terbutje. ”We found this at the fort, I would like to keep it as a memento. My father showed me things he kept from his days as a pathfinder, I would like to do that also. Do you have a basket or a leather pouch that I could use as a scabbard?”

After purchasing a scabbard from Oyin He returns to the party, planning on returning to the shacks behind the smithy to sleep in.

ok, decided to keep the trebutje, should cost him half which is 152.5, it shouldn’t change how much anyone else received.

The party wheel their lightened cart on the path down from Stone Hall towards Oyin’s Emporium on Islandtown. On the way they get a good look at the hurricane brewing out to sea. A swollen and darkened mass boils in the sky, towering high towards the heavens. For those with seafaring experience (Jit and Jamba), it brings to mind the awesome power of the Eye of Abendigo, although this is an order of magnitude smaller. It appears that the storm heading towards the coast is just a splinter, a fragment of this larger tumult. Looking at the darkened mass on the horizon and feeling the gusting wind already picking up another notch, it seems possible that the town may need to consider the possibility that the assurance that the storm would miss the town which they received from their Oracle, Artimis Quentin, might be ill-founded.

It is at this point, looking at the incoming storm, that Jamba announces his decision to split from the party; "Me need to reckon wit dat storm. I seen plenty storms before, an dat be unnatural. Gozreh guard us, but somtin' aint right and me an I need to investigate it. I be back now - watch out for me!" He embraces each of the party (even Francis), then lopes off into the back alleyways taking goods up to the vale of his share with him.

Crossing across a series of increasingly small footbridges across creeks and inlets, they get a feel for the older part of Pridon's Hearth, the original settlement of the first colonists. The people living here are the less well off, but even in a small town of 331 souls, they see themselves as distinct, as more genuine than the 'newcomers' who followed after them. Oyin’s Emporium turns out to be a veritable trading goldmine, a cluttered and maze-like cottage-cum-storehouse, stacked high with crates, goods, bags, baskets, scrolls both arcane and divine, and an enormous clutter of every possible description.

The owner, one Mirya Oyin, is a charming and engaging older lady, welcoming the party in whilst clutching one of her many cats under her arm. Simultaneously juggling the sale and purchase of goods with tales of the earliest days of the town "Before them jonny-come-lately merchants arrived, with their hired thugs and all", she is both endearing and able to offer a wide range of useful products for the challenges ahead - including from somewhere, a reed-woven terbutje sheath for Iradyiel's use. "Take it young man, there's no charge - I've been looking for a home for that for years!"

Action: are there any further interactions you want to have within the town? I assume that from now you have sold all loot and re-equipped, but if you need more time to do this it's not a problem.

Action 1: The Stone Hall

Jit backs up a bit in surprise when the ape offers her a fistful of meat. She concentrates for a moment, staring off into nothingness - to anyone who’s spent time with gnomes before, it’s clear that she’s casting a spell inherent to that fey-touched species. She blinks and refocuses on Francis and gives him an overly wide smile. “Hiya!” she says to the ape, gingerly taking the proffered goat. “Francis, right? Thanks for the food. How do you know this guy?” she asks, nodding at Chest Thumper.
I’ll cast speak with animals as one of my gnome spell-like abilities.

She nibbles on the goat meat given to her and nods at Aza. “Nice to meet you!” She wipes her hand off on her pants before shaking Iradyiel’s hand and greeting everyone else warmly.

Action 2: Oyin’s Emporium

Jit tags along with the others to do their trading, not having much reason before to ever visit the old trader. Seeing the swollen storm on the horizon, she lets out a low whistle of appreciation. “It's huge! It's like a tiny Eye…” she marvels. Once Jamba leaves, Jit has a hard time taking her eyes off the horizon to ask the others, “Hey, I was gonna hole up somewhere nice and watch the storm. Anyone wanna come with? It's good luck to watch a storm in a group, you know.”

In Oyin’s Emporium, Jit idles as the others conduct their business. She meanders through the store, poking at merchandise and generally making a mild nuisance of herself. She tries to lure over Mirya Oyin’s various cats with cooing noises in order to scratch them under their chins. Once the transactions are complete, she pops up at the counter, standing on tiptoe in order to address Mirya. “It sounds like you've been here a while! I've only been around about a month, so I'm curious: does Pridon’s Hearth get a lot of storms like this? This is one of the biggest ones I've ever seen!” she exclaims with a delighted grin.

To Iradyiel
At some point throughout the day, when they both had a moment, Aza made a request of Iradyiel. "You know polygl-glot, yes? I mean, obv-viously you do." Aza sighed and shook her head. "Could you t-teach me? I feel... well, I could-d have helped more with the... mayb-be the frog wouldn't have had to d-die." She started clicking her teeth together awkwardly. "If w-we end up getting into a neg-gotiation again, I want-t to be able to speak directly t-to them. S-so it doesn't happen again."

To Jamba
Aza smiled, though was a bit surprised when Jamba embraced her, and hugged him back. "Be well and be s-safe. I w-will see you again soon."

At Heri's
Aza gratefully accepted the potion from Heri, and asked if she might have a few odds and ends that she could sell or make for Aza - namely, "...some sturdy glue, g-grease, a cure potion, and-and... wh-what were they called? A pair of sm-smokesticks!"
Presuming she has or can make them, Aza picks those items up.

Oyin's Emporium
Aza often looked out at the coming storm on their way to the emporium, and her brow furrowed. "I h-hope it doesn't hurt anyone..." It took a moment for her to process Jit's words, but she nodded in response. "I, uh... Yes. I d-didn't know th-th-that." Her fingers start to itch, as if her nerves are remembering a few years ago, her family rushing in and out of their house, drenched in rain and being gusted two and fro by the wind...

At the Emporium, Aza was mostly silent, wandering through and looking at the various odds and ends, but nothing caught her eye.

Stone hall
Pious looks on dirisively as the gnome approaches and introduces herself to the group.

A keen one, a chaser of storms and adventure.

"Jit. I am Janus Shepherd. You may call me Pious. Are you pious Jit? The living God is a man, but there is a place in the flock for others who live a righteous life."

Temple of Abadar

"Humanity forgives and rolls over all to often venerable one. Your god may be a God of merchants but the fire of the Last Azlanti burns in your bones. I'll do this for you 'old Baldra' I'll do it for all of us I guess. The smallest act moves the biggest mountain"

The Temple of Abadar
Hearing Pious’ unambiguous reply to her request for vengeance, the aged cleric’s face tightens in a grim and mirthless smile. Wordlessly, she extends her hand in a surprisingly firm grip to seal the agreement. As Pious takes her hand, a warm glow envelops him, healing his wounds and easing the day’s fatigue.

”Quid pro quo, Pious. Always with Abadar a price for everything. My God’s healing is given to you as an advance on the deed. And, to aid you, you’ll now recognise the little **** that killed Quinn Vanicus when you meet. In return, I have you as the instrument of my wrath, plus I know rather more about the morals you act under. Goodbye, Master Shephard – I must rest.”

The Banker shuffles slowly out of the banking hall. Before she leaves, the old lady turns and with a twinkle in her eye, calls out ”I’m glad you enjoyed my almonds. Take the rest of them if you like. With my poor teeth, they’re no use to me after I’ve sucked all the chocolate coating off…”

Eew. But on the positive side, she's healed you back to full health

at the Emporium
Smiling at the reed-woven terbutje sheath, Iradyiel nods, "Thank you Mistress Oyin it will help immensely." Iradyiel Straps the reed basket on his hip and places the weapon in it.

Once they leave the emporium Iradyiel will find those who didn't go to the store and divides the remains of the money with them.

To Aza
As they leave the emporium, Iradyiel nods happily "certainly Aza I would happily teach you Polyglot. Though to be honest, a lot of the phrases that the frog used were a little foreign to me. But I got the gist of it ok. It's more of a trade language so it changes from area to area."

He looks at his friend and then away again, "It's a shame about the frog creature. It didn't seem that bad, there was just a lot of misunderstanding."

Shrugging his shoulders, "It's good we have Muhdzuzi along. He can help with some of the local dialect. Shall we start tonight?"

At the Stone Hall

Francis' eyes widen as Jit speaks to him. He stares with his mouth open in surprised for a few moments then starts gabbling and gesturing rapidly to her.

At the Smithy and Heri's

As a sign of his thanks (and because he doesn't need it any more) Chest Thumper leaves his old axe with Vethorn. Perhaps he can sell it to someone else who doesn't need a weapon as nice as the one he bought. Even though he puts his old strap on the new axe, he doesn't limber it. Instead, he carries it around with him like a child with a new toy, studying the decorations with a vague smile.

At Heri's he buys another potion of healing and happily takes the potion of restoration. He eyes it thoughtfully then tucks it away. He's sure a good night's sleep will end the effects of the dino toxin in his system and he may need it later.

On the way to the Emporium

Chest Thumper returns Jamba's hug and Francis, though he looks at the man strangely he pats the man on the shoulder when the man splits away.

"Don't let the storm get you," the half-orc says simply.

"We should not linger here long. If the waters rise this place will flood," Chest Thumper said.

"For that matter, if you know of a better place to stay I don't know how much protection the shacks will give up," he says to Jit.

Oyin’s Emporium, Islandtown
As the party exit Olyn’s, complete with their newly purchased goods and with weightier coin purses than when they arrived at the Tiger Docks so recently, the wind and rain have once more stepped up a notch. It is late afternoon but the light is already failing, whilst gusts of rain-soaked wind makes the palm trees creak and groan. Olyn herself stares at the storm in concern. Answering Jit’s question, ”No, my dear, this is unusual. Tropical storms can hit the coast in the wetter months, but this is unseasonable, and that mass out to sea; I’ve not seen it’s like before.”

The party trudge up the hill again to the Stone Hall to take an evening meal, intending to relax after a fatiguing day. As the evening goes on, more and more of the townsfolk gather in the security of the solid hall. They come to unwind, to seek comfort from the rising storm outside, and to discuss the sketchy details they have heard of the massacre at Fort Breakthrough. Several approach the party to ask what they know. It is with trepidation that the party settle up don’t worry about the cost of food and make their way to rest.

See Action 1 below: In brief, how do you react to these questions? Do you share what you saw, or keep quiet? Do you portray yourselves heroically, or underplay the trials you went through? Separately, where do you sleep? The party all slept in the shacks before – these are sturdy and waterproof, but noisy in a storm; if you wish to pay 1gp each you can still secure a better night’s sleep in the Stone Hall.

Morning
Where the party members slept determines the quality of their night’s rest – the storm continued unabated through the night, and the morning is barely light at all. Whilst the rain has eased somewhat, the wind has certainly worsened. mechanically though, all PC’s awake rested, can learn spells afresh, and (I assume) used the previous day’s quota of healing spells to return to full health (HP and poison effects).

Early after rising, they are visited by Office Sarah of the town watch. She says that there is to be a meeting in the Stone Hall, and that Sheriff Adeala has asked if they can attend. Assuming they do, they arrive to find the Hall already crowded with townsfolk. When Sheriff Adeala arrives, she calls for attention. Looking tired and worried, she informs the crowd that it appears the predictions of Oracle Quentin have proved (” unreliable - again…”),and that the Town needs to make urgent preparation for what could be a severe battering within the next four hours. ”A powerful storm front is barreling directly toward our homes, and an unusually high storm tide already laps at the lowest streets of Islandtown. The Stone Hall will serve as a temporary headquarters and as a refuge for evacuees. We must work together to help Pridon’s Hearth survive this test !”

Her words are met with consternation and near panic in some; a rowdy debate starts over what is done and by whom. The Sheriff then approaches the party directly; ”I came to you for assistance before and I hope I can do again. This town needs leadership now, to ensure adequate preparations are carried out. We cannot worry about the raiders now; whoever or wherever the y are, they too must be seeking shelter from this storm. Will you aid me in the defence of your new home?” Adaela lists numerous tasks she would like help with, deputising them as her agents and granting them the authority to issue commands on her behalf and subdue and arrest any townsfolk committing criminal acts. She initially overlooks to mention payment, but if the PCs press the matter - do you? assures them they’ll be rewarded — if there’s a town left after the storm comes.

The Storm Approaches
The PCs can assist the town’s disaster preparations in a variety of ways. Sheriff Adaela summarizes several options that will help everyone weather the unexpected storm: reinforcing weaker structures, collecting supplies in sturdy shelters, and keeping the citizens calm and coordinated. This is an opportunity for the PCs to split up and showcase their skills. Their efforts will be measured using Preparation Points (‘PP’). The number of PP the town will determine how effectively it weathers the squall, how quickly the citizens get back on their feet, and how much recognition the heroes earn for their hard work.

Each of the three tasks is represented by one possible skill check, and the town earns 1 PP for each skill check at which a PC succeeds. If a PC exceeds the listed DC by 5 or more, her efforts are especially helpful and earn the town 2 PP instead. Each PC can attempt a given task only once, but multiple PCs can attempt the same task, either separately or via 'aid another'. The PCs will be working alongside residents of Pridon’s Hearth, and I will reward exceptional RP with a +2 circumstance bonus on related skill checks to help secure the community. Any other relevant actions performed by the PCs, such as donating valuable items or casting helpful spells, may also be rewarded with additional PPs.

• Boarding Up: The first goal is to board up any glass windows, shutters, or openings in buildings that rain and wind could break through, and secure any buildings that rely on canvas roofs or walls. Examples of appropriate skill use might be: Craft (carpentry) or Profession (woodcutter) to cut properly sized boards, Climb to reach roofs and eaves, or Knowledge (engineering) or Profession (engineer) to identify structural weaknesses. Or, the PCs could also attempt Strength or Wisdom checks to work efficiently / tirelessly. Or, you might have your own ideas.

• Moving Supplies: Food, water, clothing, and emergency supplies must be collected in secure locations, like the Stone Hall and the Countinghouse of Abadar. Examples of appropriate skill use might be: Appraise or Profession (merchant) to determine the most useful medical supplies and foodstuffs, Handle Animal or Profession (driver) to coerce the town’s few beasts of burden to haul goods, or Ride to better navigate the hazards created by the wind and rain. The PCs could also attempt Constitution or Dexterity checks to act as haulers, relying on endurance or speed instead of skill. Or, you might have your own ideas.

• Keeping the Peace: Already an independent lot unaccustomed to cooperating, the people of Pridon’s Hearth grow restless with the approaching storm. More vocal PCs can calm or even coordinate the townsfolk into an effective unit. Examples of appropriate skill use might be: Diplomacy to reason with townsfolk, Intimidate or Profession (soldier) to cow them into helping, Perform to keep people entertained and relieve stress, or Sense Motive to determine moods and assign the townsfolk tasks to keep them occupied. The PCs could also attempt Charisma or Intelligence checks to motivate people with charm or logic. Or, you might have your own ideas.

Given that the PCs have already provided the construction supplies, medical supplies and rations from Fort Breakthrough, the town starts with 5 PP. Four hours remain to prepare the town before the PCs must take shelter from the storm, and each skill check represents 2 hours of work, allowing each adventurer to attempt two skill checks. For suspense, I’m deliberately not telling you in advance the DCs you’re aiming for, or the impacts of reaching different levels of PP...

Over to you ! You have two actions to post against; for Action 1, summarise your actions / reactions the previous evening in the Stone Hall; for Action 2, please describe your response to the Sheriff’s plea to help save the town from the storm, and how you carry this out.

Good luck… and don't omit to describe any epic fails as well as any obvious successes !

At the Stone Hall

Chest Thumper is very matter-of-fact when answering any questions directed toward him. Distressingly so, at times. While he speaks and even mildly commends his fellows, including Francis for their bravery and skill in facing the threats in the fort when they arrived, he will also go into quite thorough detail about what they found and what it potentially means.

He describes the halflings and their restless spirits, the slain and often defiled soldiers, even the predations of the spiders, if someone asks about the fate of the fort's commander.

He will also share their surmises about who did it and their plans, including the possibility that they're on their way to Pridon's Hearth.

When the time comes, he will pay the gold piece to get a room. The shack's may be sturdy enough, but he can't imagine they'll be very comfortable in this storm.

Of course, he ends up sleeping on the floor since Francis claims the bed for himself and makes a nest out of the bedding that is not big enough for the both of them. Before going to sleep, he uses the remainder of his magical energy healing his remaining wounds, knowing that nature will bless him with more energy after he has been able to connect with it during a good night’s sleep and contemplation of the wonders of nature (including this fearsome storm.)

Morning

Chest Thumper is, unfortunately, not surprised by the sheriff's news when he joins her and the rest of the crowd in the main room of the Stone Hall. The storm seemed far too powerful and felt as though it were bearing down on them the whole time. Even if it would have passed close it would have been dangerous to the town.

He listens closely to her explanation and request. When both are done, he simply nods his understanding and agreement.

"I am no leader, but we will help where we can," he says.

For once, Francis does not argue. But then, he may not know what he's been volunteered for. When the time comes, he does not appreciate having to go out into the rain, but does so reluctantly.

The most obvious requirement is getting some of the flimsier structure's properly reinforced and boarded up to protect them from flying debris and rain. Chest Thumper is no expert in wood and wouldn't know which end of a claw hammer to use but both he and Francis are quite nimble and neither of them is afraid of heights. Knowing it will just get in the way, Chest Thumper leaves his armor with Vethorn while he works.

To begin with, he tries to explain to Francis what they're doing.

Handle Animal Plus Nature Bond: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 4 = 16

Though Francis picked up a hammer first, Chest Thumper is able to correct his ape brother.

The two found a crew that were boarding up the buildings and started clambering around, getting on roofs, balconies, terraces and any other space that others has problems with to haul up boards and even to haul up other workers.

Francis Aid Another Climb Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Chest Thumper's Climb Check Plus Aid From Francis: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29

Once they and that crew had done what they could, he looked around and saw that people were still trying to get their resources and supplies to more secure locations. He was no expert when it came to domesticated animals but he'd watched wild quadrupeds often enough to know how they worked best. He joined one of the carts and crews and helped the horse as much as he could.

Handle Animal Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Hopefully what I'm trying to do is obvious. First, Chest Thumper and Francis are trying to help with the Boarding Up task. I'm hoping it's ok that Francis is using his climb skill to aid Chest Thumper (I'm envisioning him pushing and shoving and pulling an hauling the half-orc none too gently and vice versa as they move around the roofs). Then, the druid is going to try to help with the Moving Supplies task by helping with a horse pulling a load.

Action 1: The Stone Hall

Jit stays uncharacteristically quiet as the townsfolk come up to ask about the Fort, nibbling on her food and slowly sipping her drinks as she pays rapt attention to the tale of the massacre and investigation. I found the right crowd to tag along with! she thinks, smiling broadly even at the grotesque parts of their adventure telling. Sure beats out hanging around here doing odd jobs!

After a few hours of carousing, Jit figures it’s time to rest for the night despite the excitement in the air. “I think I’m going to head out to the shacks tonight,” she explains. “Feel free to join! They’re sturdier than they look, you know. Besides, I always sleep easier when I can hear a storm. There’s just something soothing about it…” Jit gathers up her things in a sailor’s duffel bag and heads out to sleep where the howling winds can lull her to sleep.

Action 2: Preparing

Jit’s good mood continues even as the wind grows fiercer and Officer Sarah asks everyone to attend the sheriff’s meeting. With the revelation that the storm is on a collision course with her new home, though, Jit starts to look a little more nervous as her smile turns to a grimace. Her heart races as the townsfolk start to panic, but is drawn out of her own rising nerves by the sheriff’s address. Jit manages to swallow her nerves and nods a few times. “I told you yesterday that I could help! And I guess it’s time to prove it, huh? Don’t worry, I’m in! As much as I like a good storm, I also like, you know, having somewhere to live. We can talk about payment later,” she adds with a knowing grin.

Boarding Up

Jit focuses first on battening down the flimsier structures. She’s not particularly good with her hands, nor is she strong enough to carry many of the planks. She does have a knack for climbing from her days aboard numerous ships, and she clambers on to various roofs while regaling her fellow townsfolk with tales of scurrying up into the crow’s nest to put out a fire where lightning struck it, only to get stuck up there when the sahuagin boarded down below. “It all worked out in the end, though,” she asserts. “I mean I’m here to tell you about it, right?” she asks with a grin.

Keeping the Peace

Satisfied with her work on the town’s structures, she then sees to trying to soothe its people. “Hey, listen up!” she bellows (as much as someone her size can, anyway) to a crowd of restless, aimless townsfolk milling about too nervous to know where to help. “This is nothing! Why, I’ve been in a storm two-- no, three times as big as this, easy! And I wasn’t on land waiting for the right time to hole up inside - oh, no, I had just been pressed into service on board a pirate ship with a lunatic Besmaran priest for a captain. There was lightning and wind and rain portside, jagged rocks starboard, and a whole mess of chickens in the hold making a racket like you wouldn’t believe…” Jit continues to spin a tall tale of triumph in the face of a wild storm, hoping to inspire and distract the populace enough to calm them down. “...And that’s why I say it’s good luck to always carry a rooster feather!” she finishes.

---

Boarding Up: Climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Keeping the Peace: Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
If what I’ve done fictionally is more “Perform” than “Bluff,” the result is 5 lower.

To Iradyiel
Aza nods. "Yes. Hopeful-fully we can come up with some results by the end of this..." Aza trails off in the middle of her sentence as she feels the movement in the air. "Thank y-you. Before we go out-t to the fort."

Action I: At The Stone Hall
Aza attempts to downplay her actions during the raid on the fort, but doesn't shy away from direct questions about the fort. She speaks only in vague terms when actual combat comes up, especially sure to avoid talking about the gore they found there. She does not share suspicions of who might have been involved - between the halfling tribe and the supposed lizardfolk being involved, she didn't want to spread rumors, instead deflecting any questions about who she thought was involved beyond what she actually encountered - the spiders, the frog, the haunts. What mention of her own actions there are primarily include "...just k-keeping everyone on th-their feet."

Even as she does so, though, the storm is clearly somewhat affecting her - Aza's stutter has somewhat worsened, and she finds her gaze drawn to any port that allows her to look out at the coming weather. She fingers a gold coin as the townsfolk begin to filter out from the Stone Hall, considering. Do it. You will be safe inside. Aza grips the coin tightly and makes a start towards the rooms - but stops as Jit speaks. Watching the gnome exit with such confidence made Aza replace the coin in her purse. She could sleep outside. She shouldn't hide.

Action II: Preparing
Aza immediately, without hesitation, agrees to help, with every gust of rushing wind causing her to feel more and more energized - she wasn't sure what it was, but the movement of the air made her mind surge with action. "Of c-course. Pridon will not bend to this st-storm." She slings her quarterstaff over her back to prevent her sage-like leaning from interfering with what little physical speed she has, before choosing what she felt she could best help with for this task.

Keeping the Peace
Aza begins with personal calls to action, weaving throughout the village and searching for those who seem lost, fading, or unwilling in their tasks. Her parents were traders, and she knew how to sell something. "We m-must not give up," she shouts over the winds at grumbling townsfolk, "Y-you are strong people! But w-we need everyone's help t-to weather this storm!" She points upwards toward the clouded and dark sky, one hand clutched to her hat to keep it from flying off into the rain. "It w-wants to take everything-thing from you! Your h-homes, your possessions, but you cannot-t let it-t! You need to prov-ve that you deserve to be here, and I know that you can!" She repeated this speech, varying it as she felt necessary, to as many people as she could find, trying to rally those into action who were not helping, and inspire those who already were.

Moving Supplies
After the first few hours, Aza could feel her voice beginning to hoarse, and was unsure of what she could do now - she was neither the strongest, nor the best with animals, but saw the creatures and humans struggling through the mud to deliver supplies where they needed to go, and decided to assist carrying them as best as she could with just the speed she had on her side. She remembered that she was always the one chosen to grab special materials from her storage shed at home for crafting, and visions of running to and fro from the smithy ran through her head as she attempted to deliver the supplies.

Keeping the Peace (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Moving Supplies (Dexterity): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Action one:
”See everyone in the morning.” Iradyiel waves to those headed to the Stone Hall for a late meal. He moves the other direction, headed to the shacks behind the blacksmiths shop. He selects the same hammock he slept in the last time, placing his gear underneath, he heads to bed.

Action Two:
Having a fitful night, dreaming of frog archers and dead native haflings, Iradyiel wakes after a fitful night’s sleep. Rousing with the others who slept in the wooden shacks, he is quietly washing his face as Sarah comes in and announces that the sheriff wants them to attend the meeting. ’I hope this won’t delay us from going and searching for Muhdzuzi’s brothers, we promised we would help him.’ Iradyiel dries his face and heads to the Stone Hall.

’I wonder why we’re here, this looks like a town meeting.’ Slightly confused as to why the small group had been invited to the town meeting, Iradyiel breaths a sigh of relief as he sees the sheriff approaching ’Finally we can get this done and on our way.’

As he listens to her proposition, Iradyiel looks around for Muhdzuzi, ’I hope Muhdzuzi understand, we need to help here and we wouldn’t be safe in the jungle. I will make sure he understands that we will help find his brothers and our people as well as soon as we can.’ Nodding his head in agreement, ”We will help as best as we can Ma’am”

Leaving the stone hall, Iradyiel Follows Chest Thumper and Francis, still entertained by their antics. As they approach the drew boarding up items he offers to help. ”Master Thumper. Can I help you carry stuff?” After dropping several items, Iradyiel began carrying less items so he wouldn't break anything.
strength check to move items
str.: 1d2 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

After helping move the items and cleaning up the things he broke, he watches as Jit and Chest Thumper shimmy up the building ot help. ’’Wow, I’ll never climb that good. Jit looks like she was born on a ship and Chest Thumper climbs like he’s the monkey not francis’ Iradyiel smiles and tells the men ”I will stay here on the ground and help.” Iradyiel picks up a hammer and attempts to assist in boarding the lower windows.
carpentry check to help nail stuff
craft: 1d20 ⇒ 16

After hitting himself on the thumb a few times with the hammer Iradyiel did better than he expected nailing up the boards. Then Iradhyiel noticed Aza speaking to the crowd. He wandered over that way standing near his friend he shook his head in agreement. ”You all should listen to Miss Aza she is very smart and very brave!” Realizing that no one was listening, he quietly stood near his friend and tried to smile.
diplomacy aid another to assist Aza
AA: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

When Aza went to assist in moving stuff, Iradyiel followed along, smiling, ”This is a good idea, I’m better at carrying stuff than talking anyway. My father is a good talker, I take more after my mom, she’s a little shy.” He then helps lift and tote things as best he can, dropping and breaking several items again. "I hope that glass thing wasn't important!"
str check for lifting and toting
str: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

@GM AD, not sure where our hafling friend is, but happy to retcon a conversation with him

The previous night

Pious eats swiftly and uncleanly, but not messily. Not a morsel us wasted but by the time he is satiated he is even more grotty with juices.

If anyone approaches, which is unlikely given his manners, he is quick to attribute what he sees as a victory at the fort to the God given strength of man.

That night

As he returns to the bunk in the shacks that he used during their first stay the spectre of the storm looms darkly over Pious's thoughts.

That night he lives a recurring nightmare. He is facing the storm, a living, tangible avatar of it at any rate. Leaning into the overpowering wind his holy book held forth as a shield, he can feel a holy strength bolstering him from behind, he moves forward step by step. Then, just as he approaches close enough to raise his sword, the book dissolves to ash, the sword crumble to rust and the strength holding him vanishes; Pious's dream form is blown away like a leaf on the wind and he wakes with a start. This happens over and over all night until, in the early hours, he rides and, kneeling beside his hammock, spends several hours in earnest unanswered prayer.

The following day

Pious is mostly silent during the meeting, he ponders the meaning of his dreams over the matter at hand until, almost in a daze, he finds himself outside with the others; looking to help.

Girding himself he draws his sword, takes his holy book in hand and sets off into the town.

'Where men put stone on stone to live beneath, these are holy places. Where Humanity scratches their names in the dust of the earth, they shall be my flock.'
And I am your Shepherd lord!

Keeping order
Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"Only the diligent and the true shall be afforded a place in God's grand country. Look to your souls and judge yourselves. For the living God returns and he shall not be shy in his judgement. Those who are true shall know love. But those amongst you who are weak shall be shown little mercy. Look to yourselves in this holy time of testing.

He continues on like this for some time, brandishing his sword and paying particular attention to those he identified as being chaotic in nature (using Detect Chaos to identify those who are likely to cause trouble)

Moving supplies
Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

As he wanders the town he finds himself in front of the temple of Abadar once more. Baldra stands at the gateway in what is obviously a heated 'discussion' with the owner of a wagon piled high with crates.

From what he can dredge from between curses, the man, a foreign merchant about to leave town, is trying to bring his entire inventory of exotic silks into the temple for protection and Baldra is 'informing' him that priority must be given to essential supplies for the town. Just as Pious is about to intervene the merchant turn with a scoff and leads his wagon away.

Pious takes Baldra's lead and begins moving amongst the townfolk bringing in the supplies, turning away those with useless stock and helping those who are carrying food, water and other essentials.

Pious is still to post for ‘Action 2’, but since he typically posts around 12 hours from now, I’ll press on. Pious, please feel free to add your Action 2 after.

Over a frantic period of nearly four hours, the town became a hive of activity. The preparations were ad hoc and amateur but thorough – buildings were shored up, shutters closed, loose materials tied down or stored inside, and provisions gathered in the most sturdy buildings. Throughout, the party seemed to be at the heart of all these preparations. Initially resistant to being given instructions by newcomers, the townsfolk were swiftly won over by the energy the party brought to preparing for the storm, plus, perhaps, awe at the stories Chest Thumper had told at the Stone Hall bar the night before.

As the wind rose and the rain became heavier, Chest Thumper and Francis seemed to be everywhere, leaping from street level to wet roof affixing ropes and securing loose sections, whilst Iradyiel provided more raw muscle than expertise. Jit and Iradyiel were less successful with lifting the crowd’s spirits, but Aza, a slight and solitary figure in the rain, was inspirational, with a small word here, a touch on the shoulder there, keeping people focused on the task and fear from spilling over. Meanwhile Sheriff Adaela’s and her watchmen were also busy, although they mostly worked with the folk of Islandtown to haul the town’s small stock of fishing boats into more sheltered creeks, and importantly sandbagging the areas of Islandtown most liable to flood.

Drenched through, but buzzing with what they were achieving together, the party are gathered together at Vethorn’s Smithy, taking a moment of rest. They have just helped get their old handcart to the stone-built Countinghouse of Abadar with a cargo of fresh water and cured meats, plus three small children from a poor family, and were passing round a waterskin offered by an elderly drover they had been helping.

There has been little respite over the morning’s work from shouts, creaks and crashes; yet, as the squall of wind eases for a moment, it becomes clear that something is different – these are screams of distress, and crashes of destruction, coming from a row of shops and houses 250 feet to the east. Maybe 100 feet away, a militiaman is running with a woman clutching a crying baby to her chest, and both are fleeing towards you. You hear a ripping sound, and see over their shoulders, a section of wooden planking is tossed high into the air, before quickly being caught by the wind and blown back across the rooftops...

Any arms, armour or kit you might not have been wearing is either here at the smithy, or in the shacks immediately behind, or stored over the road at the Countinghouse of Abadar. Ie quickly accessible in a round or two. How are you reacting? What are you grabbing? What if anything are you preparing? Over to you…

Chest Thumper is feeling more than a little satisfaction with the day's work. He knows that it is no guarantee that there won't be damage or casualties - nature is far too powerful to be tamed or cowed - but they have prepared as well as they can and he knows what they've done has made a difference.

He is watching the approaching storm thoughtfully, gulping some water while Francis lounges in a corner when a scream draws both their attention.

There is something different about those screams and cries. They do not seem to be a reaction to the wind and rains.

Chest Thumper eyes his armor where it lays in a safe spot,vaguely regretting taking if off, but also knowing he might have fallen or been unable to help if he was wearing it. It will take far too long to put it back on, though.

On the other hand, he does not want to go out with no protection at all. Fortunately, he is in an armory. He looks around for items he can use.

"May I borrow these, Vethorn? I will leave my armor here in pledge," he says, reaching for a shield and weapon. His axe is still strapped across his back and he mourns the fact he's not going to be able to try it, yet.

Ok...even if Chest Thumper hurries, it will take him half a minute to get his armor back on. If he can get a heavy shield, he'd only get a 1 point difference in AC vs. donning his armor hastily. Hopefully, his relationship with Vethorn is good enough the smith will loan him some gear. A heavy wooden shield is a must and he'll grab for a weapon in the following order of preference - scimitar, sickle, shortspear, club. If the heavy shield isn't available, he'll hastily don his armor, instead.

Jit is happy to see the town so quickly banding together, but she's a little sour that her tale of excitement didn't garner more attention. I should have brought a rooster feather, she mentally chastises herself with a shake of her head.

Once at the smithy, she pulls her wet shirt out from where it sticks to get chest and wrings it out like a rag. “Wow! I can't believe how -” Jit starts to comment, but is cut off by the nearby crashes and cries of distress. “ - how much trouble this storm is,” she says to complete her thought. “That can't be good. We gotta check that out, right? Let's go!” Jit darts behind the smithy to get to the shacks behind it. In another moment she emerges carrying a finely made crossbow and runs straight toward the source of screaming and chaos with a manic grin plastered on her face.

A heavy wooden shield is a must and he'll grab for a weapon in the following order of preference - scimitar, sickle, shortspear, club.

No problem; Vethorn has a rack of product by the door and you can grab a shield, spear and scimitar fast.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Pious is still to post for ‘Action 2’,

I'm really sorry Pious - I completely missed your post, and therefore omitted you from my response. Please don't think that the townsfolk didn't notice your intimidation and hectoring. I can't say they appreciated it, but it certainly was effective...

It was a pleasant feeling, this slowly forming exhaustion - though she had only been helping for a few hours, and only really pushed herself physically over the last couple hours, the gentle tiredness she felt while sharing food with others in trying to save this town, punctuated by the still-raging storm outside, was nothing but satisfying. Pulling her sopping hat from her head while taking a drink from the waterskin, Aza was still breathing heavily when the screams started.

She drops what she was holding immediately, partially out of shock and surprise, and immediately moves out into the rain. She places a hand on her chest and her eyes flash blue for just a moment - if anyone was paying attention to her, they may have noticed the winds whipping through the oracle's hair and flowing clothing become slightly stronger. She pulls her quarterstaff from her back and grips it tightly. "W-we've got to help," she says simply, before dashing out into the storm and towards the noise.

Aza activates air barrier!

Iradyiel would have taken off the pack (which would have had the glaive) but he would have worn the club on one hip and the new Terbutje on the other as well as keeping the armor on.

"Gmmmmrmrm"

With a rumble pious begins running towards the fleeing townsfolk, drawing his sword and taking his tome in hand as he runs. Breaking past the couple he stands facing the unknown danger.

"what fresh terror is this? Explain."

Pious would be in his armour and chains, as previously posted he is also armed and ready the dance! The rest of his kit will be in the counting house.

Not knowing quite what to expect, the party gather their weapons and hustle forward. As they pass the town militiaman they notice that he is holding his arm at a crooked angle – it appears his shoulder and collar bone have been shattered. The woman carrying her baby cries ”It came over the wall, it’s looting the food stores! It’ll be us next! Run!”

Racing through the back alleys, the party grind to a halt as they approach the source of the destruction. Ahead stands an enormous humanoid figure with broad, thick shoulders and two solid, tree-trunk arms stretching down to almost drag on the ground. Her skin is a sickly, greenish hue and her head long and angular, with a solid, pointy chin and a crooked, hawkish nose. The figures hair resembles a mat of forest weeds and rests tangled and greasy on muscled shoulders. There is an air of unsettled violence about her - the hands end in razor-sharp claws and her body seems taut and agile despite her size. The figure is fully occupied rending open a grocer’s shop - the building has been torn open at the side and the figure is busy stuffing food into a huge sack with one hand, and tearing off a section of planking with the other. A large wooden club lies in the mud by her side.

As the party arrive behind her, she turns and roars, a deep bass blast of foul-smelling breath; “Food!” As she turns back to her work, you can see that she already has several deep wounds around her chest and side; wounds that appear to be scarring over even as you watch !

Chest Thumper, it appears you’ve found the owner of those footprints in the forest…

There's a new battlemap set up for you - see above.

Round 1:
The creature appears hostile but will ignore you completely for the first round at least, as she is wholly occupied with looting food. Post your thoughts, actions – over to you!

Round 1

Jit’s grin doesn't fade a bit at the sight of the monstrous lady pillaging food. If anything, it widens, stretching her face in a grotesque way characteristic of her gnome physiology. “Look at that!” she says quietly - or rather, whispers as loud as she can to both be heard over the wind and not let the food thief hear her. Jit moves forward, crossbow at the ready, as her eyes flick to the huge wooden club lying in the mud. She points to it as she tells the others, “Ooh, think we can grab that?” It's difficult to tell how much of this question is a suggestion to disarm the trespasser and how much of it is a more general opportunism.

Noticing the closing wounds on this huge person, she continues to address her new friends. “You see that wound closing up? That's wild! How the heck does she do that?” Jit wonders, as if she were an entertaining street performer rather than a vicious pillager. Jit doesn't forget her allegiance, though, (or perhaps she merely wishes to see what happens) when she loads a crossbow bolt to fire at the hungry thief.

---

I would like to move up 20’ and load my light crossbow. I don't have the knowledge skills to know if there are any particularly fitting spells to use here, so I'm hoping someone else does.

If someone was close enough, I'd allow a disarm attempt to seize the club with a +4 circumstance bonus. The club is laying in the bottom left square occupied by the creature.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Round I

Aza gasps at the creature's size, and once again at hearing its low growl. This thing was clearly intelligent, and it was stealing food from those that needed it. "I have n-no idea..." Aza considered for a moment, before striding forward so that she could get clear of the building. As she did so, sparks of electricity started to flash about the girl's upper body, and her hair stands on end. "But I hope it can't h-heal from th-this." The sparks fly faster from her until they all coalesced toward her mouth - Aza opened it and a streak of lightning shoots forth, crackling in an instant and letting out a relatively quiet peal of thunder as it shoots toward the creature.

No knowledge here, either, but there's no time!! Aza moves to I7 and uses her lightning breath (Reflex save DC 15 for half)

Lightning Breath: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

I'm going to metagame a little bit in the interests of time. I believe Chest Thumper has already identified the thing out in the jungle but I don't think I made a check for him to see what kind of weaknesses and abilities he has.

"Thank you, Vethorn. I'll put them to good use in protecting the down." Chest Thumper says as he

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The thing is big and dangerous and he wants to help Francis have every chance he can against it. He rests his hand on his brother's shoulder and calls upon the fury of nature to to enhance Francis' natural weapons.

Chest Thumper is Casting Magic Fang on Francis.

He then directs Francis to attack.

Handle Animal + Nature Bond: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 4 = 23

Despite the obvious size and danger of the beast, Francis obeys his brother, rushing toward the creature. He gets next to it but can't attack just yet.

Chest Thumper follows in his wake, though he doesn't get as close.

Francis is moving to G11. Chest Thumper is moving to J10.

Round 1

Pious is a step behind Frances and CT as they rush the beast. But as he approaches he skirts round the beast, yelling at it.

Double moving to G10, at least one of us is taking a AoO anyway...

"You shall not claim what is claimed by the righteous, beast. You use the tongue of man so I know you can understand me. Flee this place before we use your hide to keep our women and children warm. Flee!"

Intimidate (as a swift action): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Pious you ninja’d my post I was thinking the same thing,

’That mans arm… come over the wall?’ As the run forward, Iradyiel calls to Aza, ”It sounds like something is attack…”

’Gods, what is that thing?’ Rounding the corner and seeing the huge green thing, Iradyiel realizes his comment about an attack was obviously unnecessary. But echoing Jit’s comment, ”Yeah look at that, it appears to be healing instantly.”

Turning to talk about the creature with Jit, he sees Aza move forward ’She’s attacking it, that girl is brave!’ Iradyiel then notices Pious, Chest Thumper and Francis quickly moving forward, ’I need to help my friends we can’t let this thing loose in the town.’

Moving forward as fast as he can, following behind Jit momentarily, Iradyiel skirts the building, attempting to keep out of the things reach until the last moment. Then shifting forward to it’s left trying to distract it. ”Hey over here you big green dumb thing, leave our food alone it’s not yours!”

Double move to ‘D9’ staying more than 5 ft from the creature until the last moment.’

The party scatters to surround the monster from all sides, yet she blithely ignores them, instead tearing a wider gap in the wall of the store, wide enough to step into. Pious' intimidating words fail to deter her - she has a few words of Common but not enough to understand threats, let alone be shaken by them.

Just as she is about to push into the shop, a glancing bolt of lightning breath expelled by Aza corruscates over her back, and she whirls to face the party with snarl of anger...

Round 1
All PCs moved; Graular (for that is her name) ignores you and focuses on looting. No AOO from her because she is flatfooted, not yet having acted.

Round 2
All can act; Graular acts last per initiative order. She is no longer flat footed (AC16). Make the most of this turn...

So, my last post may have been a little confusing. Chest Thumper knows what this is, but I don't know if he technically knows its weaknesses. I made a Knowledge Nature roll just in case and hid the information Chest Thumper would have shouted out if the roll was high enough to tell him those weaknesses...and the assumption I'm making about what those weaknesses are. GM AD can you confirm that he got a high enough roll? Is Knowledge Nature the right thing? Does he even need to make a roll or is it a common enough creature that he would know how to counteract it's healing?

Francis attacks the creature with a fury. Sure his brother is generally useless but the ape relishes the increased destructive capacity he has when Chest Thumper does this to him. And this creature in front of him seems a suitable threat that he can prove his power on.

bite+Magic Fang: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 14
claw+Magic Fang: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
claw+Magic Fang: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21

bite damage+MagicFang: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
claw damage+MagicFang: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
claw damage+MagicFang: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Chest Thumper trots up behind and beside Pious. He angles out to the side so that Francis won't be in his way and stays just out of what he thinks is the reach of the creature and flings the spear he picked up at it, though he has to be careful not to hit Francis as the ape attacks.

Moving to H10.

spear - throwing into melee: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 4 = 0
spear damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Round 2

Jit continues to move forward, sidling along the opposite building as quick as her little legs will take her. “Clear some space! I've got just the thing!” she warns. Once in place, she tenses her body before making an explosive gesture outward, shouting arcane syllables that seem to mingle with the whipping wind and rain. A blast of spiraling, flashing colors emanates from her eyes like a multi-hued, celebratory flash of lightning.

---

I'll move up to G8 and cast color spray (DC 16 Will save) in a cone diagonally northeast. So as long as no one moves into E10 or F10, it should catch Graular at F11.

Was Chest Thumper’s knowledge check sufficient to know how best to combat Graular?

Apologies guys - yes CT this a troll and you know its capabilites and weaknesses.

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 A violent cone of vivid clashing colors springs forth from Jit, causing Graular to stagger back, clutching her eyes with a below of pain. She will be stunned for round 2

Round 2
Francis: Bote, claw, claw - final claw connects
Pious: ???
Jit: Colour spray !
CT: has clearly never used a spear before, tosses it sideways onto a nearby roof;
Aza: ??? Graular AC12
Graular: stunned

-Posted with Wayfinder

'Need to stop this thing before it kills my friends or ruins this town.' Lifting the knobkerrie club overhead, Iradyiel begins to rage as his father had taught him, he swings it as hard as he can at the green creature back.

attack: Club, two handed, rage, PA
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 for damage: 1d10 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 3 = 19

"Very well."

Pious attempts to spear the creature in the back of it's knee

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Surround her"

Who has the acid then?

"Then f-fire it'll be!" shouts Aza back to Chest Thumper over the raging storm. She moves closer to the troll, mumbling beneath her breath. She swipes out a hand and from it spews a cone of burning flame, sizzling as it evaporates the rain in its path. "حرق."

Burning Hands: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

Aza moves forward and casts burning hands (DC 15 Reflex for half), standing at H9 and casting north, it should catch the troll on E & F10 without hitting any allies.

Round 2
Francis: Bite, claw, claw - bite and final claw connects
Pious: Knee-stabbin'
Jit: Colour spray !
CT: has clearly never used a spear before, tosses it sideways onto a nearby roof;
Iradyiel: Raging overhead clubbing
Aza: Burning hands - fwoosh!
Graular: stunned

Round 3
Francis: ??? (Graular AC12)
Pious: ??? (Graular AC12)
Jit: ??? (Graular AC12)
CT: ???
Iradyiel: ???
Aza: ???
Graular: ??? Will finally get to rend you apart...

With the troll, raising her hands to clear her damaged eyes,blows rain down on all sides. Iradyiel in particular almost brings her to her knees with a colossal overhead blow which makes his club groan with the impact. Then, fire gouting from Aza hits her squarely in the face, setting her moss-like hair ablaze. She roars in pain and fury into the storm...

Go ! Go ! Go ! You have one further attack each before she is able to respond.

'That blow would have felled an ox. I heard trolls were tough but I didn't know how tough.' Iradyiel stands gap-mouthed for a split second looking at the creature. He then swings his club at it again trying to hit the same spot.

attack: Club, two handed, rage, PA
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 for damage: 1d10 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 3 = 13

Francis is equally offended on a personal level by both the fact that the troll did not collapse under the fury of his attack and that Iradyiel obviously did more damage than he did.

He redoubles his efforts to destroy his opponent, unleashing a roar to vent his fury as he slashes and bites.

bite plus Magic Fang: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 = 18
claw plus Magic Fang: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
claw plus Magic Fang: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24
crit confirmation: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15

bite dam plus Magic Fang: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
claw dam plus Magic Fang: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3
claw dam plus Magic Fang: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4
claw crit dam: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

His rage, this time, is effective as he rips and tears at his opponent.

Chest Thumper cheers his brother on as he sees him finally show his potential. Not wanting to be left out, he readies his borrowed scimitar then steps up to the troll, taking a swing.

scimitar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Round 3

Seeing the walloping that her new companions are delivering to Graular, Jit holds back a bit to conserve her power. In the fracas of the fight, she has to take careful aim for her next shot. She closes one eye and sticks out her tongue as she lines up the pointer finger of one of her hands at the troll. She’s still and quiet for a moment before she shouts, “Zap!” and a tiny line of lightning arcs out to strike the thief.

---

Jolt touch attack, into melee: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 = 15
Electric damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Round III

This thing is tough... Aza was breathing heavily from the work and from the sprint that she had made to get over to this monster, but she had to keep going. For a moment, she considers taking a step back, waiting and blessing her teammates - but if this thing could heal itself from damage... she needed to keep pressing the attack if she could. Another slice from her hand sends another plume of flame towards the troll.

Burning Hands Mk. II; Ref DC 15: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4