GM Blood's Age of Worms in Golarion #2

Game Master David James Olsen

Tobar nonchalantly steps into the egg filled room, his small feet easily bypassing the lizardmen's prize and reaching the egg and chests in turn. Once he gets there he checks for traps before removing all of them to the non-egg area for all to see and poke and prod.

Tobar has a take 10 Acrobatics of 19 and a belt that gives him permanent ant haul - unless the chests and egg are filled with lead, we should be good.

That works. If not that, Kilthan could have scaled the walls with the egg tied to him.

Chests First

Tobar Checks the chests out the chests and finds in total:

5320sp
1930gp
21 pp

Six dark glass vials (like the other chest). They glow magical
Also a ring which glows magical

Despite Tobar's size he manage to get the egg into his arms. Despite not being able to see well around the egg, somehow he manages to tip toe around the eggs and make it back to solid land without crushing anything.

As he makes it about 10' from the water, he feels something strange with the egg, something is happening. Tobar make a Reflex Save

Reflex (inc. Adaptable Luck): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 = 17

Justin looks concerned but his brow wrinkles in thought: "That doesn't look good. Can you use those tanglefoot bags to make sure that egg doesn't hatch. They seem sticky."

Justin moves to the egg with his axe out.

It can never be this easy, Iomedae, can it?

"We can't let it fly away, we gotta stop it."

The ghost of Aarakess floats above the dragon egg with a look of concern.

Kilthan turns at Justin's statement, "Aye, we do.", bringing up his axe and shield.

Anala looks at Justin, "It's a hatchling, can they even fly at that age? And would preventing it from hatching, not kill it?"

After some thought she asks, "Is the creature evil by nature, or through the actions it comes to know? Perhaps is the time to call upon the lizardfolk, maybe they have better insight on this matter than us?"

"Iomedae will let us know by revealing the nature of the hatchling."

Justin detects evil on the egg.

"I would very much like to prove that I could teach a creature to be good that was supposed to be evil."

handle animal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Justin racks his brain for any lore on handling dragons.
Beside the kids story about the island of Vikings that learned how to raise dragons of course :-)

Tobar doesn't get too far ahead of himself and just awaits the results of his Reflex save.

A couple lizardfolk enter the chamber and cheer on your victory. In draconic they say be very careful among their eggs.

As Tobar clears the eggs he feels it begin to break open. Expecting a small dragon to break out he is instead surprised to notice small green worms coming out of the eggs as it breaks apart. Exactly the same as the worms that were coming off the undead creature in the basement of Blackwall Keep.

He manages to ditch the egg just in time before being coated in worms. As the egg hits the ground it open revealing hundreds of worms. On what must be instinct, they begin to all move towards the water where the lizardfolk eggs are sitting. The lizardfolk in the room gasp in horror as they see the worms threaten the eggs.

Tobar is adjacent to the the worms which are adjacent to the water. You each have your turn this round before they begin to reach the water and infest the eggs.

Justin sees another generation of hatchlings at risk and interposes himself as a willing, insistent host.

He desperately calls to Dryn and Tobar: "Firebombs?"

No chance to lay hands on egg before the worms get out?

The ghost of Aarakess wonders if someone has a handful of silver coins.

Reminder me later to get silver powder... Better yet, silver power in a few of Dryn's bombs!

"Silver will destroy the creatures!" she yells out with little she can do put grab a hand full of silver coins (not sure how many one would have with 49 g left over since joining...Unless I have silver power, needed for circle of prot. from evil spells???) and rushes plopping them down in a makeshift line between the worms and the water...

While coins will kill a couple, there was a halfling sized egg full of them. There are hundreds at least swarming around

Surprise Round

"I'm out of bombs, but I've got a couple of these!" Dryn calls out, sending an alchemist fire hurtling in the direction of the swarm.

Alchemist Fire: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10 x1.5 to 15 damage

Anala - silver pellet grenado will work... but it's indiscriminate and would probably splatto some of the lizard eggs.

As Dryn'taka turns to fire, Tobar retrieves something with similar spice. Hurling a similar clay pot that breaks into a resinous sticky gel that both entangles and burns with fury he hopes that the combined assault will be sufficient...
Alchemist's Fire: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 for 1d6 ⇒ 1

Dryn'taka and Tobar combine their attacks to wipe out the worms before they reach the eggs. However, they do singe and destroy some of the closest eggs near the solid ground. However with their actions hundreds of lizrdfolk eggs have been saved.

While the lizardfolk are saddened by the destruction of their eggs, they knew that without the bombs those worms would have destroyed them all

Hiska comes and and examines the damage but also your handiwork. Hishka says, "It confirms my suspicions of Ilthane's intentions. I will notify the other tribes of what we have have found so they know not to trust her either. Do not feel responsible for the eggs. Our debt to you goes beyond what any can measure. What you have done today will most likely convince the rest of the tribe that peace with Magnimar and the drylanders are possible"

"Tonight I hope you will stay with us at least until morning. We may not have much here in your eyes, but the King's room is all yours until you are ready to travel. The spoils in this room is yours. I will return to my room for now and finish the ceremony and in the morning it will be ready. Marzena and the others are awake and can stay with you."

Marzena and the Blackwall Keep's soldiers are returned to your group and with a little healing and time should have their physical wounds mended. She is anxious to leave this place but is also aware of what Hishka had done for her keeping her alive when Shukak would have preferred to kill her. As you describe your battle she says that your group should collect the burned worms as it can be made into a paste that can very effective against the worms.

The night passes quietly with only the mosquitoes to bother you. You are anxious to get to Hishka's chamber for the end of the ceremony to bring Aarakess back to life. Hishka is in the process of chanting, dancing, and gyrating all throughout the room. Aarakess is covered in what looks to be stinky mud, or what you hope is mud.

Hishka continues the dance and after about a half hour Aarakess's body begins to glow. At first it is dim, but it grows brighter and brighter until a bright flash of light temporarily blinds you. As the black dots clear in your eye sight, Hishka has collapsed on the floor, exhausted from the spell. You quickly gather around Aarakess and see....

Cue the "new" Aarakess

You suddenly hear a piercing SCREAM. A moment later, you hear an intake of breath followed by another SCREAM. However, these scream sound nothing like the soft wispy voice of the tall elf you have grown to know. Instead, they are a deep guttural scream as though the elf is incredibly hoarse. Or perhaps as though she is a horse.

A second later from out of the much a dirty pudgy short arm suddenly appears. The light clothing that Aarakess was laid down in are covered in muck and bunched up on the arm, even though the cloth still reaches to her wrist. Then her thin long elven hands open to reveal five short stubby gnarled fingers. Finally, the rest of Aarakess's torso appears sitting up rapidly from the muck and spreading dirt and slime across the room and onto any closer than a few paces.

This is not the Aarakess you all know. Instead it is a short stout female dwarf is suddenly sitting before you.

She screams: THE AXE!!!

Suddenly she sees you all and your incredibly surprised looks and realizing that the lizardfolk standing near her is not the warrior with his huge axe, she catches her breath before again speaking:
What? She grimaces in pain before looking down to see her mud covered hand which she attempts to wipe on her filthy clothes. Apparently not noticing yet the subtle change in her physical appearance:

What? What are you all looking at?

Welcome Aarakess the dwarf.

Kilthan steps back a moment as his mind races, slowly catching up to the sight before him. "You're safe, now, Aara. These lizardfolk are friends, we've defeated their evil 'king' and his companions and freed them...."

He pauses for a moment and then, sighs, "I... think I may have to teach you a few things, now."

Aarakess looks rather confused:

Teach? Teach what?

Kilthan pauses for a minute, trying to find some uncharacteristic tact, then shrugs and straightens to his full height, waiting for a reaction before saying, as kindly as he can, "Well, er, ...racial customs."

Aarakess looks back down at her stumpy mud covered fingers.
Racial customs? What happened to me? I didn't get . . . re . . . reincarnated did I?

The joys of being REALLY smart, and moderately naive.

You know, I figured they would have some ugly wart covered big nosed female dwarf avatar. But nothing. Only like a dozen total. How lame.

Anala moves to comfort her... friend... She brings out her polished blade and holds it up so that Aarakess can see her reflection. "Ah... well... You are not as you once were... And, yes, I guess that is what they did... You were killed by the lizardman lieutenant, I nearly joined you." She lets the elf... er, woman take in the information

Justin looks at Aarakess and shudders at what would have happened to him if the firebombs had not been effective. "Thanks Drynn and Tobar, it seems the clutch of eggs is mostly preserved."

Later Justin looks at Aarakess and poorly conceals his surprise. He manages to be encouraging, "Aara, you look more....solid, yes solid. And think of all the help Kilthan can give!"

Justin hands her the bag with her belongings. "There is a better magic bracelet of protection in there. And you still hold the artifact! I bet dwarves love artifacts, or is that gnomes!"

Tobar draws back after the eggs are safeguarded and Aarakess returned... in a manner. Moving back to the king's chamber he searches for some treats for Galopin, and spends the time at play with his companion.

As she sees some of the eggs burned, she looks rather saddened by the fact, "I'm...really sorry that happened. I didn't mean, I just didn't want them to all get infected. I'm sorry."

As Aarakess awakens, Dryn restrains herself for a moment before finally running up and embracing her. "Aarakess!! I was so sad when you died! I'm really glad you're back. And you look so cute as a dwarf!"

Aarakess looks down at her hnds again and then at the reflection in the blade offered by Anala.

She then looks up at the suddenly much taller Justin:
I'm an elf. I always have been an elf and always shall be. If my form has changed, then so be it. I will discover the magic to return to my true form. It is but one more thing that I must learn.

She then looks to the others: So, how long was I not with you? What happened?

"Less than a day, over night as the shaman of the tribe had to prepare." Anala answers Aarakess. "We had to press forward and we defeated the evil lizarfolk leader and a few of his minions, and then took care of the kobolds guarding the egg chamber. There was a large egg in the chamber, left by the black dragon, it had hundreds of those worms within. It broke open but Dryn and Tobar were able to deal with them without too much damage to the eggs. And then, here."

Justin bows formally to the reptile shaman.
"Thank you for bringing back our companion. Please govern wisely and I encourage you to seek the counsel of Iomedae. Allow me to speak to the tribe and encourage the creation of a small shrine here. If the Inheritor is sought as protector, you will not be so vulnerable to the minions of evil."

Justin will begin to describe the Acts of Iomedae in detail to the lizardfolk. First describing the slaying of Nakorshor'mond and moving to the other acts using his greatsword with the symbol of Iomedae in the pommel to act out the part of Iomedae.

After his display is over, he will hand his greatsword with the Iomedae insignia to the most promising young warrior as a gift. "Honor, duty, and kin" he pronounces solemnly as he hands over the weapon.

Haven't used it in a long while.

Justin turns to his companions: "If I fall, bring my body back here and see what form Iomedae sees fit to grant."

Kilthan says solemnly to Justin, "If that be your will, then so be it. Though this magic is not restricted to this one shaman, as I understand it."

After a day of rest and a celebration feast Not really anyone's but Justin's tastes you are ready to head out and back to Diamond Point. Hishka presents the Peace Treaty for you to deliver to Magnimar and wishes you the best on your journey back.

You head back into the swamp with Marzena and a couple soldiers going north towards Blackwall Keep. Day one goes without issue, but on the second day....

Will update tomorrow as I am tired now. At least I have off work for my birthday!

Soon after a hideous avian creature has the body of an emaciated rooster, the wings of a bat, and a long, scaly tail comes from the same direction while a second one comes from a different direction as if they were hunting it.

For small creature

For Avian Creatures

The avians fly in to attack! One swoops down and attacks Kithan while the other comes from the back to bite Dryn'taka.

Avian #1 vs Kilthan: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 vs FF AC 20 *Hit*
Damage: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2 Fort Save if Hit

Avian #1 vs Dryn'taka: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 vs FF AC 17 *Hit*
Damage: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1 Fort Save if Hit

Aarakess, after a day of rest and healing you would be up to full

Round 1

Initiative Order - Avians, Tobar, Anala, Dryn'taka, Aarakess, Kilthan, Justin

Avian AC 15 T 15 FF 11

Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Aarakess, with her new shorter and deeper voice calls out.
This creature is harmless, probably being hunted by those Cockatrices. Watch out for their bites, they can turn you to stone if you get bitten enough.

The dwitch then stares at the cockatrice attacking Dryn and causes the creature to feel the petrification that it causes on others.

Evil Eye Hex @ #2: -2 attack for 9 rounds, DC19 Will reduces to 1 round

Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Kilthan shrugs off the strange magic from the thing's beak and snarls. This seems like a good time to try this...

He punches out with his Klar, the power of the blow sending the nasty thing flying back, and draws his axe in the brief moment of respite he's been given, while directing Jagdbach to kill and willing his skin to harden, just in case.

Klar: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 Hit, so.. 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 damage, and... Free bull rush using attack roll (16) vs. Birdy's CMD.

Huh, it used to be that winged avains suffered greatly after a bull rush -- I don't see those rules anymore... Boo. Was hoping to knock it prone...

Jagbach (bite): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Hit, for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 damage.

Justin step and lunges to attack the one on Drynn (cover may apply)

hit PA/damage: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 271d12 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

The next blow is wilder but still connects. hit PA/damage: 1d20 + 8 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 3 = 221d12 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

"Bad bird!"

Step down and left + full power attack

Hmmm, does it count as a Split Hex if Justin has sliced the target in two?

Anala steps to the side, she then concentrates as she holds up her hand and calls forth her Goddess' power. A a golden-orange beam emites from her hand...

5-foot step to m-18,
Cast Searing Light (ranged touch attack on number 2) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 (threat), to confirm, 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 (does not), for 3d8 ⇒ (2, 5, 7) = 14 damage.

"May the Everlight's fire burn!

Anyone for... BBQ, sliced to perfection, roasted in holy fire. :)

Justin's new combat move pays off by connecting a pair of hits sending a poof of feather flying. Still need Dryn's save

Kilthan and Jagdbach combine on a pair of attacks before Kilthan slams it back a number of feet. Anal sends a beam of light burning the cockatrice.

Dryn and Tobar up still before the cockatrice

Tobar slinks forward and feints at the bird, though his real intent is to fortify Kilthan's defenses...
Aid Another (AC): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 for +4 to AC

Round 1

Fort Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Dryn pulls out her crossbow and takes a shot at the bird. Seeing the bolt flies true, she can't help but smile. "Today's a lucky day!"

Move draw x-bow, 5' step to N17, standard to crit.

Attack - Deadly Aim + PBS: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 - 2 + 1 = 27
Damage + Deadly Aim + PBS: 1d8 + 1 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 5 + 1 = 9

Attack CC: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 2 + 1 = 17
Damage CD: 1d8 + 1 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 5 + 1 = 14

The combined attacks killing its mate and including getting pushed back nearly into the swamp, is enough for the remaining cockatrice as it flees flying further into the swamp.

Combat Over

As Aarakess watches the cockatrices fleeing into the swamp, she suddenly realizes that the tiny dragon is still clasped onto her pack where it is having a staring contest with Auxilium. After several minutes with neither breaking their continual eye contact, she suddenly senses a voice in her head.
Thank you.

Aarakess then looks to the others before reaching into her pouch and taking out a small piece of hard cheese which she gives to the tiny dragon. A move with gets her a dirty look from her owl.

Aarakess then turns to the rest of the group.
Did anyone order a faerie dragon? Seems we have found one.

The fairie dragon takes the cheese but remains in Aarakess's backpack. You decide to keep moving and eventually the little dragon emerges flitting around the party eventually landing back on Aarakess's shoulder.

As the day draws to a close, you emerge from the swamp not far from Blackwall Keep. Another 30 minutes later you are greeted with cheers from the remaining soldiers having returned with some of their own.

There has been some progress on repairing the main gate but you see it still wouldn't hold up against a solid attack. More soldiers are expected to arrive in the morning.

Acting Sergeant Gatiss greets you at the front gate happy to see anyone rescued and returned. He take the news of the lizardfolk wanting peace with some skepticism but shrugs his shoulders and says that is up for the Lord-Mayor in Magnimar to figure out.

Otherwise a peaceful night with no special events.

Marzena stays in her room for the night, but packs everything of hers up in the morning and prepares to follow you back to Diamond Point.

Let me know if there is anything you would like to do before leaving the keep.

Justin visits with the sergeant.
"The lizardfolk were corrupted by a dragon with a heart evil to the core. It is the warriors that fight wars that know what the diplomats who talk about it don't--war is an implement of last resort among the brave and strong-hearted but one of first resort among the cowardly and weak."

The arrival of the faerie dragon seems to have removed some of the depression which appeared to have come upon the usually cheerful former elf. Frequently she is heard laughing after Justin is surprised by sudden noises or Kilthan jumps as tiny dancing lights suddenly appear before his eyes.

Kilthan blinks at the lights and then turns on Aara with a mock-serious expression, "I don't mind you practicing, so long as there are no flashes of colours in my eyes when I'm trying to fight something"

Aarakess giggles:
Don't look at me, I did not cast that spell.

With that she turns and stares at the tiny dragon in mock seriousness. The dragon has a look of complete innocence, but as soon as Aarakess turns her head, the tiny creature looks toward Kilthan, and you are pretty sure it sticks its tongue out at you.